This post first appeared on Piping Rock. All content is theirs.

When you want some brownies a-la-mode without the a-la-lot-of-guilt

We've been really into making no-bake desserts as of late. There are a few reasons for that. One, they are easier to whip together than traditional recipes. Two, they are better for you thanks to the simple ingredient list that is usually vegan-friendly. So, we figured that we've covered cheesecake and cookies already, we should move on to the grand finale: brownies. 

How many of you find yourself perusing the dessert menu at a restaurant only to freeze when your eyes lay on a fudge brownie, with ice cream? The matchup of a warm, gooey brownie with creamy, cold ice cream is enough to make any eyes scream "That's the one I want!". 

But, the calorie and sugar trap is real. In fact, that favorite dessert can be in the triple-digit region in sugar and calories -- yikes! The best example? Friday's Brownie Obsession. That seemingly innocent gooey brownie is 1200 calories and 119 grams of sugar...yes, you read that correctly.

So, what are you to do when the craving can't stop? Make today's recipe: No Bake Brownies. Sure they aren't the "traditional" thing, but innovation is more fun. Made with dates, dark chocolate, and natural sweetener, all they need is some ice cream and you will be happy dancing.

THE RECIPE

2 cups medjool dates, pitted
1 cup Almonds Raw Unsalted
1 cup Walnuts (No Shell) 
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tbsp water

1. Simply add all to your food processor. Blend until a consistent texture. Remove.
2. Place in a square tray lined with parchment paper and press the “dough” into it to take shape of the tin.
3. Cut up into squares and enjoy!
4. Refrigerate what you don’t eat up for a later date.