This recipe is from The Anti-Anxiety Diet Cookbook by Ali Miller, RD, LD, CDE

These dense, chewy brownies are a great example of a real-food keto recipe. Using almond flour and avocados as the foundation, they provide healthy fats and fiber to support satiety, brain health, and blood sugar balance, as well as B vitamins to boost neurotransmitter production. The jammy date paste aids in hydrating and sweetening the brownies while providing a nice rich mouthfeel. These brownies are a great way to restore micronutrient deficiency, with rich, mood-stabilizing minerals, fats, and antioxidants to promote cellular health. In my household, we add fresh-cut fruit like berries and whipped coconut milk on top for guests who need a bit more sweet, but they stand on their own just fine.

Makes: 12 (2 x 1-inch) brownies | Prep time: 30 to 45 minutes | Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes

  • 4 dates, pitted
  • ⅛ cup warm water
  • ½ cup mashed avocados (about 1½ medium avocados)
  • 1 medium egg
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • ½ cup cacao powder
  • ⅓ cup almond flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
  • ¼ cup melted ghee or coconut butter
  • ⅛ cup cashew butter
  • 2 ounces coarsely chopped 80% cacao chocolate bar
  • ¼ cup coarsely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Place the dates in a small bowl with the warm water and soak for at least 30 minutes, longer if dates are dense and dry, to soften to a squishy texture.

3. Once they are softened, pulse the dates with the soaking water using a food processor with an “s” blade until a paste forms.

4. Add the avocado and blend until combined.

5. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg with the additional 2 yolks. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, then add the egg mixture to the food processor. Wait to mix again.

6. In a separate bowl, combine the cacao powder, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt.

7. Add the dry ingredients to the food processor with the egg mixture and avocado-date blend and blend for about 30 seconds.

8. In a small bowl, use a whisk to mix together the melted coconut oil, ghee, and cashew butter. Pour the melted mixture (make sure it is warm, not hot) into the food processor and blend all of the ingredients for about 15 seconds.

9. Spread the brownie mixture into a greased 8 × 8-inch pan.

10. Sprinkle the brownies with chocolate chunks and nuts, if using, and bake in the oven in the middle rack for about 20 minutes, checking at 18 minutes and removing them when corners pull from edges of pan and a cake tester comes out clean.

11. Allow to cool completely, then cut into 12 pieces.

12. Store for up to 1 week in an airtight glass container at room temperature or in the fridge for a denser, fudgy brownie.

Nutrition facts per brownie
Calories: 204 | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fiber: 3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g

Find out how to get started with the Anti-Anxiety Diet here.