Mediterranean Without Sugar Mint Chocolate Brownies
These brownies bring together rich cocoa, a gentle touch of Mediterranean olive oil, and fresh mint for a dessert that tastes indulgent without added sugar. They rely on natural sweetness from dates or a sugar-free alternative, so they stay moist while keeping the flavor clean. The olive oil gives them a smooth texture and a slightly fruity finish that works well with dark chocolate. If you’re looking for a simple, no-sugar treat that still feels comforting, this hits the spot.
Time: 10 minutes prep | 25–30 minutes baking | About 40 minutes total
Servings: 12 brownies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Almond flour or fine oat flour
Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
Baking powder
Salt
Wet Ingredients
Pitted Medjool dates (soaked) or a sugar-free sweetener
Eggs
Extra virgin olive oil
Vanilla extract
Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
Sugar-free dark chocolate chips or chopped sugar-free chocolate
Optional Add-ins
A splash of peppermint extract
Chopped walnuts or pistachios
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
If using dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
Add the dates, eggs, olive oil, vanilla, and chopped mint to a blender and blend until smooth.
In a bowl, mix almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Pour the blended mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until combined.
Fold in sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
Spread the batter evenly into the baking dish.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set.
Cool completely before slicing so the brownies firm up.
Garnish with extra chopped mint or a sprinkle of cocoa if you like.
Tips
Soaking the dates helps them blend smoothly and keeps the brownies moist.
Almond flour makes the brownies richer, while oat flour keeps them lighter.
Use a mild extra virgin olive oil so it doesn’t overpower the chocolate.
Fresh mint gives a more natural flavor than mint extract.
If the batter looks too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or water.
Don’t overmix or the brownies may become dense.
Let them cool fully to avoid crumbly slices.
For a deeper chocolate flavor, add one teaspoon of instant espresso powder.
If the mint flavor is too strong, reduce the amount of fresh mint.
Store in the fridge to keep them soft and chewy.
Variations
Walnut Brownies: Fold in chopped walnuts for crunch.
Pistachio Brownies: Add chopped pistachios for a Mediterranean twist.
Coconut-Mint Brownies: Add shredded coconut without sugar.
Tahini Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of tahini on top before baking.
Mint Mocha: Add espresso powder for a coffee kick.
Orange Mint: Add orange zest to brighten the flavor.
Keto Version: Skip dates and use a keto-friendly sweetener.
Double Chocolate: Add extra sugar-free chocolate chunks.
Mint Chip Blondies: Replace cocoa with almond flour only for a blondie version.
Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and dairy-free sugar-free chocolate.
Q&A
Can I make these brownies without dates?
Yes. Use a sugar-free granulated sweetener instead.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze in slices for up to two months.
Can I use coconut flour?
Not recommended. It absorbs too much moisture.
How strong is the mint flavor?
Light and fresh. Add mint extract if you want more intensity.
Can I replace olive oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter works fine.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
They are if you use almond or certified gluten-free oat flour.
Can I make them extra fudgy?
Reduce baking time by 2–3 minutes.
Can I make them without eggs?
Yes. Use flax eggs or a vegan egg replacer.
What chocolate works best?
Look for sugar-free chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa.
Can I serve these warm?
They taste good warm, but they slice better once cooled.
Nutrition
(Approx. per brownie)
Calories: 140–170
Protein: 3–4g
Carbs: 12–18g
Fiber: 2–3g
Fat: 10–12g
Added sugar: 0g
(Nutrition varies depending on the sweetener and flour you choose.)
Conclusion
These brownies give you a clean, chocolatey treat without added sugar. The mix of olive oil, cocoa, and mint keeps the flavor bright while staying true to Mediterranean ingredients. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and flexible enough for different diets. If you want a simple dessert that tastes rich but feels light, this is a great choice.