I love that these Raw Chocolate Brownies taste so decadent but for the most part they are are made of fruit and nuts and other nutrient dense food. They are a great protein source from the almonds and walnuts and are a rich source of antioxidants and magnesium from the raw cacao powder. You can add your own super foods, such maca powder, lucuma powder or protein powder (i.e. brown rice protein powder). I have to say I think they’re pretty good as they are.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ cups of walnuts
• 1 cup of Raw almonds
• 1 3/4 cups of medjool dates (or soaked and drained normal dates)
• 2 tablespoons of Maple syrup/honey/coconut nectar/rice syrup
• 2 tablespoons of Coconut oil
• ½ Cup of raw cacao
• 1 Teaspoon of vanilla essence or paste.
• Chocolate Icing
• 2 heaped tablespoons of Coconut Oil
• 60gms of Cacao Butter
• 3 tablespoons of Maple Syrup (or maple syrup/honey/coconut nectar/rice syrup)
• 3 Tablespoons of Raw Cacao Powder
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Pinch of Salt

PROCEDURE:

1. Add almonds and 1 cup of walnuts (keep 1/2 a cup to add later) to a food processor and blend until they are a coarse crumbly consistency.
2. Add dates, maple syrup, coconut oil, cacao and vanilla.
3. Blend until well combined.
4. Add remaining walnuts and pulse lightly so nuts are combined but not crushed.
5. Press the mixture into a 27cm x 17.5cm pan and place in the freezer while the icing is prepared.
6. Use a metal or glass bowl over a pot of boiling water, add coconut oil and cacao butter to the bowl and gentle melt.
7. Once melted, add the cacao powder and gently stir with a wooden spoon.
8. Lastly add the maple, salt and vanilla extract – mix until it forms a smooth consistency.
9. Remove from heat and continue mix vigorously (mixture should thicken slightly).
10. Pour the icing over the base and return it to fridge to set for approximately an hour.

Enjoy!