Dates and Cocoa Squares

A quick and easy chocolaty square that is easy on sugar

Course Dessert

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Servings 16 portions

Calories 113 kcal

½ cup dates pitted and chopped
½ cup water
¾ cup wholewheat flour
½ cup powdered cocoa
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup canned Romano beans or white beans
2 egg whites
2 eggs
½ cup white sugar
3 tbsp vegetable oil
½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional: Add ¼ cup of walnutsalmonds or hazelnuts to give more texture to the squares. Note that this will have an impact on the nutritional value.

Preheat oven at 350°F. Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9”x12”) baking pan.
In a small saucepan, bring the dates and water to a boil then cook for 5 minutes over low heat, until a smooth puree is obtained. Set aside.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Mix well with a whisk. Set aside.
Rinse well and drain the beans. Puree and transfer to a bowl. Add the date puree, eggs, egg whites, sugar, oil and vanilla. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until well combined.
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the date mixture. Be careful not to mix too much for a more pleasant final texture.
Pour mixture into well-oiled pan and bake in the center of the oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool to room temperature before cutting into 16 equal portions.