The Best Raw Brownies. Ever.

14 August 2015 | 4 comments

The Best Raw Brownies - Chocolate and OrangeThe Best Raw Brownies - Chocolate and Orange

I know I know – big claim. But seriously, this was such a treat. Raw brownies have always been one of my favourite raw sweet treats, they are so simple to make and holy wowzers they’re just amazing. I made these ‘for my partner’ but really, I think I devoured them all on my own. He went to seek one out the other day, and only found crumbs. Well, survival of the fittest, as I like to say! He snoozes, he loses!

I usually use walnuts in brownies because I find they pair so magically with cacao, but the pecans are soft and buttery and taste a bit lighter. I have a bit of a thing for orange so threw in the zest of an entire one – and although I had picked a fresh bunch of thyme I forgot to add it in – but I promise you that if you’re feeling adventurous, orange, chocolate and thyme are a dream combo – do it!

Make sure you take care to not over blend the pecans at the start, they will crumble very quickly and you don’t want a nut butter. Also – add the cacao nibs right at the end and you’ll get a really good crunch factor in there.

The coconut frosting was a happy experiment, it’s really light and fluffy. And lastly – take some time to slice and dehydrate some orange pieces, then dunk them in raw or melted dark chocolate. Amaze.

If you make these over the weekend, take a snap and tag me @ascensionkitchen
so I can share them on instagram.

Lx

 

THE BEST RAW BROWNIES. EVER.
 
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Yep, big call. But these really are. Walnuts and cacao powder are the perfect match. If you have any fresh thyme - try adding some in - I didn't have any on hand but orange with thyme is such a great combo.
Author:
Recipe type: Sweet
Cuisine: Raw, Vegan
Serves: 16
Ingredients
BROWNIE:
  • 3 cups pecans
  • ¾ cup coconut threads
  • ¼ cup cacao powder
  • ¼ cup almond meal
  • 18 medjool dates (approx. 320g)
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • ¼ cup cacao nibs
  • Zest of one orange
FROSTING:
  • 1 cup coconut threads
  • ½ cup coconut water
  • ¼ cup100% pure maple syrup
  • 4 dates, soaked and pitted
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
DEHYDRATED ORANGE:
  • One orange
  • Dark chocolate
Instructions
BROWNIE:
  1. Pulse the pecans in a food processor for about 10 seconds.
  2. Add the coconut threads and pulse again for another 10 seconds.
  3. Add the cacao powder, almond meal and salt and pulse once more.
  4. While the motor is running, add the dates one by one till a dough has formed.
  5. Add the cacao nibs and orange zest last and pulse just to combine – you want to keep the nibs nice and crunchy.
  6. Transfer to an 8 inch lined cake tin and pat down evenly.
FROSTING:
  1. Add the coconut threads to a high powered blender and blitz till they become nice and powdery.
  2. Add all other ingredients and blend till very smooth and creamy (this may take up to a minute or more).
  3. Smooth over the brownie base and set in the freezer.
DEHYDRATED ORANGE:
  1. Slice an orange very finely then cut each round into halves. Dehydrate at 115˚F till dry.
  2. Melt some dark chocolate gently and dunk each piece of dried orange in halfway.
  3. Rest them on baking paper and pop in fridge to set.
  4. Once you’ve cut you’re brownie up, add a piece of orange to each square and serve.

The Best Raw Brownies - Chocolate and Orange

I’d love you to follow me on Instagram, 
tag me @ascensionkitchen so I can see your creations!  

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Glucina is a plant-based whole foods Nutritionist, Naturopath and Medical Herbalist. She is a passionate advocate for food as medicine. Lauren has also formally trained as a Raw Foods Chef and has a soft spot for raw treats. 

Lauren is available for Natural & Nutritional Medicine consultations here.

  • Medjool dates are horrifically expensive here. Are regular dates ok?

    • Lauren Glucina

      Yes of course – use about 320g and soak them for about five mins in hot or boiling water to soften them up, drain them first and they should be fine 🙂

  • What are coconut threads? Is it the same as coconut shreds or desiccated coconut? Or is it coconut meat? I can’t wait to make these! Yum! 🙂

    • They are just longer strands of desiccated coconut – you can interchange them – I just happened to have those in the cupboard. Enjoy 🙂