Rich, decadent and oh so fudgy, these raw hazelnut brownies fit into almost everyone’s diet, whether you are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined-sugar free, or even vegan!
The very first recipe I shared with you guys was my traditional chocolate brownies. However, this recipe is rather unique, in which it contains hazelnuts and peanut butter, yet the best part about it is that it is completely raw! Therefore, no cooking time is required, making it one of the easiest recipes to make on my blog!
These healthy, date-sweetened brownies are deeply flavoured with cacao; therefore, is perfect for those dark chocolate lovers. If you are not a chocolate fan; however, feel free to reduce the amount of cacao you add to the brownie mix. But is it really a chocolate brownie without the intensity of the cacao powder? I personally do not think so, but that is up to you.
Unlike the first brownie recipe I created, this one is not complemented with a creamy ganache. Instead I decided to add vegan chocolate and roasted hazelnuts to give the smooth, fudgy brownie a bit of a crunchier texture. Additionally, these ingredients heighten the flavours of a Nutella brownie, in which the combination of hazelnuts and cacao are intensified to satisfy the palate.
Most raw vegan brownie recipes are made with dates to sweeten the recipe. Although dates are extremely healthy and possess many benefits, in which they are packed with fibre and high levels of potassium and magnesium, they tend to make recipes quite dense. Therefore, this recipe can be rather heavy on the stomach, and the addition of hazelnuts and peanut butter would not help. However, the combination of dates and nuts give the brownies a boost of protein and healthy fats, whilst enhancing a super chewy, fudgy and moist texture. Dates can be so rich and satisfying, just one will satisfy your sweet tooth!
If you crave something sweet, particularly a brownie, do not go eating a traditional one. Instead, make this recipe, it will only take you a few minutes. Plus, I know you will love them!
Raw Hazelnut Brownies
GF DF V
Serves 12 - 15
INGREDIENTS
Brownie
- 10 pitted dates (3/4 cup date paste)
- 1 1/2 cup hazelnut meal
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut flour (optional)
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
Topping
- 1/3 cup roasted hazelnuts (roughly chopped)
- 1/3 cup vegan chocolate (roughly chopped)
METHOD
Steam or boil the dates until they become soft. Remove the skin of the dates and roughly chop them. Use a blender to blitz the dates into a puree. Mix all of the ingredients together until smooth and sticky. Place baking paper onto a tray. Spread the mixture evenly onto the baking tray.
Melt the chocolate in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the raw brownie. Sprinkle the roasted roughly chopped hazelnuts over the melted chocolate. Place the brownie the fridge for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
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