Step 1

Line an 8 x 4 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Soak dates for about 10 minutes in warm water.

Step 2

Drain dates from water but do not dry them. Add dates to food processor. Pulse until a thick paste forms. Add in cocoa powder and almond butter (or oats if doing oats version). Pulse until everything is fully blended. Your mixture should resemble a sticky dough. If you are doing the oats version, your mixture may be a little dry. If it is, add 1-2 tbsp of water and blend again until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3

Place dough into prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to spread and press the brownie mixture evenly across the pan. If desired, place into fridge for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up. This step is not necessary as the brownies can be eaten right away but putting them in the fridge will let them firm up slightly, making them easier to cut. Store uneaten brownies in an airtight container in fridge or at room temperature.