Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it with coconut oil.

Pit the Medjool dates if necessary and blend them in a food processor until smooth.

Sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a mixing bowl.

Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat, then stir in the date paste and vanilla extract.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle on any optional mix-ins.

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out and slicing into squares.