I’m finding out more and more that I love baking desserts, but fail to make foods that could actually be used in a meal. I’m going to work on this — bring on the main dishes and sides! But here’s one dessert I couldn’t help but give a try. (Plus the brownie part of this dessert is a great protein boost– you could eat it for breakfast!)

No-Bake Cocoa Brownies 

I found this recipe in a Daniel Diet cookbook. The frosting recipe below is not. I’m still searching for a Daniel Diet version! 

Ingredients

• 4 cups pecan pieces
• 1 cup cocoa
• 2 Tablespoons cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup honey

Instructions

• Chop nuts into meal.
• Combine nuts, cocoa powder, cinnamon and salt and stir.
• Gradually add in honey.
• Remove dough from bowl and press mixture evenly into square baking pan (I used an 8-inch).
• Place brownies into refrigerator for an hour.
• Can store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Raspberry Jam Buttercream 

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 16 oz powdered sugar

Instructions

• Beat butter and jam together until creamy.
• Gradually add in powdered sugar until combined. (Optional: can add in 1 Tbs of milk if you find the frosting too thick)
• Frost brownies and garnish with a raspberry or blackberry.

Aren’t these little brownies cute?!