Often I like to make desserts that are a bit healthier and do not contain any processed sugar. This vegan brownie is a home run! It is rich, fudgy and nutty. It is also super easy to whip up and versatile. If you don't need to keep this raw, you can substitute the raw cacao powder with regular cocoa powder. I wanted the taste of cacao and coconut to be the main flavors so I used almonds because they have a mild taste. You can always use a combination of nuts and/or seeds to make your own version.
Recipe for Raw Vegan Brownie
adapted from Dagmar's Kitchen
- 14 dates, cut into smaller pieces
- 6 prunes
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tbsp hemp seeds
- 3 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
- 2/3 cups raw cacao powder
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp virgin coconut oil
- pecan halves
- additional cacao powder
Sometimes I find date sweetened desserts can be overly sugary so I added some prunes to cut the sweetness and to add a touch of tartness to these brownies. You can always omit the prunes and use just dates. Substitute the same amount of dates for the prunes. Place the dates and prunes into a food processor bowl and blend until a smooth paste forms. Add in the almonds, unsweetened coconut, hemp seeds, raw cacao powder, salt, cinnamon, and coconut oil. Using the pulse switch, mix until the almonds are coarsely chopped.
Press the mixture into a greased, parchment lined 6x9 sheet tray or loaf pan. This will make it easier to unmold the brownies.
Smooth the top of the brownies and gently press in the pecan halves. The pecan halves add an extra crunch. Dust the tops with additional cacao powder.
Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set the bars. Remove the brownies from the tray and cut into squares. Store extra brownies in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy!