Hazelnut Chocolate Raw Brownies
There are a ton of raw brownies recipes on the net that are walnut and date based. I have avoided these recipes thinking that they can’t possibly be that good. I like dates, but in small quantities. So a recipe that was pretty much dates and nuts didn’t interest me at all. All of that changed today. I am eating my words and my brownies!
I had quite a large surplus of dates left over from making some nut crusts for the new 2011 Rawmazing Calendar. Thinking now is as good of a time as any create a raw date brownie, hazelnuts were the nuts of choice for me. The thought of a “Nutella” brownie with a splash of cinnamon was an exciting proposition!
I am happy to report that the brownies turned out great. Super easy and quick to make with a wonderful hazelnut-chocolate flavor dusted with just a hint of cinnamon. This recipe will please raw and non-raw alike. They are simply that good!
Hazelnut Chocolate Raw Brownies
Brownies
- 1 1/2 cup hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/3 cup dried, unsweetened coconut
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
- 2 cups dates, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1 or more tablespoons of water, if needed
- In food processor, blend hazelnuts, cacao, coconut and cinnamon until finely ground.
- Add dates, 1/4 cup at a time, processing after addition until well blended. Add optional vanilla and process until combined.
- Press mixture in an 8 x 8 pan, top with topping and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Cut into small squares.
Topping
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup dried, unsweetened coconut
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted
- Pulse all in food processor until coarsely chopped.
Laura wrote on November 30, 2011
We have our monthly vegan potluck this weekend. I always bring at least one raw dish to share. Now I get to bring this yummy treat! Did you soak the hazelnuts first? It would be helpful to know this, as I am making this in 2 days.
Thanks so much!
Susan wrote on November 30, 2011
No, I did not soak the nuts. If I do, it is always specified in the recipe. You can soak and dehydrate if you wish. It won’t affect the recipe. 🙂
Robin wrote on November 30, 2011
Hi Susan!
Thanks for another great recipe! Just made them, but, did you soak the dates first? Cuz I didn’t as your recipe did not call for it and mine are not sticking together very well? Wondering if they would of if I had soaked the dates first…….HELP. Thanks!
Susan wrote on November 30, 2011
Robin, no, I didn’t soak the dates first. Just used them as is. I did have beautiful, soft medjool dates. If yours was too dry, you can always add water, a little at a time until it holds together well. Just be careful not to go too far.
rebekah wrote on November 30, 2011
now that we’re in the holiday season, any chance you’ll be coming up with a recipe for a raw gingerbread house? I’m pretty sure I could dehydrate something to make the pieces, but the icing would have me stumped…hopeful :)….
Kym wrote on November 30, 2011
Yummy…this sounds wonderful…as do all your recipes!! I’ve yet to get around to trying any of them but haven’t read one I wouldn’t like to try…maybe after all the busy holiday nonsense???? Thanks for a gorgeous website and all the free recipes you so graciously share. Much success to you. Happy holidaze to you and your loved ones. Kym
Susan wrote on November 30, 2011
Thank you so much, Kym!!
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul wrote on November 30, 2011
I’m glad you gave the date/nut brownies a chance and created these. They sound delicious and very unique. I just bought some dates and hazelnuts, now I know what to do with them!
Tina~ wrote on November 30, 2011
Did you soak and dehydrate the hazelnuts first?
Franz Sidney wrote on November 30, 2011
This recipe looks and sound so good that I have immediately printed it for a super fast experiment. Many thanks!
By the way, as my self-reliance book is now on print in Amazon, you are now officially in my links in the blog and book and are hereby declared even more famous!
🙂 Be proud of your fabulous work as a raw chef and as a photographer!
Franz
janet @ the taste space wrote on November 29, 2011
This looks incredible! I haven’t made raw brownies but this looks so easy – no need for a dehydrator!
Jenn's Adventures wrote on November 29, 2011
I can’t believe how simple this recipe is — your picture looks amazing!!! I just need to pick up some hazelnuts and cacao powder & I’m in business!!