Make Ahead

Raw Brownies

June 13, 2012
4
1 Ratings
  • Serves 8
Author Notes

My perception of dessert has changed with these raw brownies--an incredibly delicious, easy, and healthy treat. I adapted these from a recipe from Food Loves Writing and lowered the frosting sweetness and added cacao nibs for a crunchier bar.

This decadent dessert has a satisfying crunch from the walnuts, all the earthiness that chocolate dreams to be, and a frosting with a creaminess you never would never think to attribute to an avocado. Using all whole foods, many of which are considered superfoods because of their beneficial health properties. Out with the chocolate chips cookies, in with the raw brownies! —Posie (Harwood) Brien

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Brownie
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup dates, pitted
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • Handful cacao nibs
  • Frosting
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch salt
Directions
  1. Line a loaf pan with parchment.
  2. Puree the walnuts, dates, and cocoa powder until it looks like soil. Remember it is not and forge onwards. Mix in the cacao nibs and press the mixture into the loaf pan to make an even layer.
  3. Combine the frosting ingredients in the food processor and puree until smooth. You can make this slightly sweeter by adding more agave/honey.
  4. Spread the frosting puree onto the brownie layer and freeze for at least 30 minutes. Keep them in the freezer until you are ready to eat them. So good!

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • TaoistCowgirl
    TaoistCowgirl
  • vvvanessa
    vvvanessa
  • Taz
    Taz
  • Stephanie G
    Stephanie G

4 Reviews

Taz July 31, 2013
These were a total hit, in every way! Delicious and rich.. Mine turned out super chewy and satisfying.
 
TaoistCowgirl June 26, 2013
I made these last weekend to bring to a dinner party. They were a huge hit. I froze them and then let them sit in the fridge. This way the frosting was creamy and soft. They probably hold a little better if they're frozen, but I liked them cold. Excellent recipe--I'll definitely make this again!
 
Stephanie G. July 10, 2012
I just made these! They are great! Been curious for awhile & so glad I tried them.
 
vvvanessa June 15, 2012
Yum! I just made these. It was hard to get the frosting on the brownies because I just wanted to eat it with a spoon. Next time around I'm going to try prunes instead of or in addition to the dates, just for the heck of it. Thanks for sharing the recipe!