• Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper (leave overhang for easy removal) and lightly grease.
• Place dates and water to a food processor or powerful blender. Blend until a smooth, sticky paste forms. Scrape down sides as needed.
  1 ½ cups Medjool dates, ½ cup water
• Add the almond butter, almond flour, cocoa powder, flax egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt to the food processor. Blend until completely smooth and combined. If using, fold in chocolate chips and/or optional add-ins like nuts by hand.
  ½ cup almond butter, ¼ cup almond flour, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 flax egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅓ cups dairy-free chocolate chips, Optional add-ins: coconut flakes, chopped nuts (walnuts/pecans)
• Assess the batter. It should look like thick chocolate batter. (If it's too thick to spread, add 1-2 tbsp of additional water.)
• Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be set, the top may crack slightly, and the center should still look a bit soft/fudgy (a toothpick will come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter).

Prepare the Healthy Chocolate Frosting

• Add the cocoa powder to a bowl. Add the maple syrup and stir to combine. Then stir in vegetable oil. Stir in 1 tablespoon of oat milk at a time to achieve a spreadable icing.
  ⅓ cup cocoa powder, ⅕ cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1-2 tablespoons oat milk

Frost Store and Serve

• Frosting: Let the brownies cool slightly, then spread the frosting across the top. You can cut and serve these brownies right away, but they firm up as they cool. Refrigerating the brownies for 30 minutes will produce cleaner slices.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2-3 days, fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for 2-3 months (separate layers with parchment).
• Servings: 16 small/medium brownies (about 2-3 bites each) Best enjoyed: Room temperature or slightly warm. They get even fudgier the next day!