Indulge in a rich and fudgy raw vegan brownie made with walnuts, dates, and cacao powder. This easy, no-bake dessert is healthy, delicious, and ready in just 15 minutes of prep!
When I first discovered raw vegan brownies, I couldn’t believe how simple yet indulgent they were. Made with wholesome ingredients like walnuts, dates, and cacao powder, they quickly became my go-to treat when I craved something sweet but healthy. These brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with natural sweetness, making them the perfect guilt-free dessert.
Plus, they’re so easy to make—no baking required! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep a stash in the fridge for whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
Why You’ll Love This Raw Vegan Brownie
You’ll love this raw vegan brownie because it’s everything a dessert should be—rich, chocolatey, and satisfying—without any refined sugar or baking required! It’s made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients like walnuts, dates, and cacao powder, so it’s naturally sweet and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a quick dessert, or a treat to impress guests, these brownies deliver. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for meal prep, as they store beautifully in the fridge or freezer. One bite, and you’ll see why they’re a favorite in my kitchen!
Ingredients:
For the brownies:
- 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts (divided: 1 cup for the base, 1/2 cup chopped for mixing in)
- 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting (optional but recommended):
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brownie Base:
- Add 1 cup of walnuts to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
- Add the dates, cacao powder, almond flour, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for texture.
- Shape the Brownies:
- Line a small baking dish or container with parchment paper. Press the brownie dough evenly into the dish, packing it tightly to hold together.
- Prepare the Frosting (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, cacao powder, and maple syrup until smooth. Pour the frosting over the brownie base and spread evenly.
- Set the Brownies:
- Place the brownies in the fridge or freezer for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Serve:
- Slice into squares or bars, and enjoy the rich, nutty goodness! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
Recipe Tips
Use Fresh, Soft Dates:
Make sure your Medjool dates are fresh and soft for the best texture and sweetness. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat them dry before blending.
Don’t Overprocess the Walnuts:
When grinding the walnuts, pulse them until they’re finely ground, but don’t blend too long, or you’ll end up with walnut butter.
Adjust the Sweetness:
Taste the mixture before pressing it into the dish. If you prefer it sweeter, add a couple more dates or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Pack the Mixture Tightly:
When pressing the brownie dough into the dish, use your hands or the back of a spoon to pack it tightly. This ensures the brownies hold together when sliced.
Get Creative with Toppings:
Sprinkle the brownies with shredded coconut, cacao nibs, or chopped nuts before adding the frosting for extra flavor and texture.
Raw Vegan Brownie
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts (divided: 1 cup for the base, 1/2 cup chopped for mixing in)
- 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup for extra sweetness
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Base:Add 1 cup of walnuts to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.Add the dates, cacao powder, almond flour, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough.Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for texture.
- Shape the Brownies:Line a small baking dish or container with parchment paper. Press the brownie dough evenly into the dish, packing it tightly to hold together.
- Prepare the Frosting (Optional):In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, cacao powder, and maple syrup until smooth. Pour the frosting over the brownie base and spread evenly.
- Set the Brownies:Place the brownies in the fridge or freezer for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Serve:Slice into squares or bars, and enjoy the rich, nutty goodness! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
These raw vegan brownies are the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition, proving that you don’t need refined sugar or baking to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their rich chocolate flavor, fudgy texture, and simple ingredients, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or a gathering, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!