Decadent Raw Vegan Chocolate Frosted Brownies: A Wholesome No-Bake Treat

Embarking on a journey into the world of raw desserts has been a long-standing desire, and I’m thrilled to share one of my latest culinary experiments: these utterly decadent Raw Vegan Chocolate Frosted Brownies. While simple raw treats like Larabars are wonderful, the possibilities within raw dessert creation are truly endless, offering an exciting array of flavors and textures to explore. I hope you’ll join me as I continue to delve deeper into these wholesome, no-bake delights, especially as the warmer months approach, bringing with them an abundance of fresh, vibrant fruits that pair perfectly with such treats.
One of the best aspects of these brownies, as the pictures might already suggest, is how wonderfully they complement fresh, juicy strawberries. The bright, slightly tart sweetness of the berries cuts through the rich chocolate, creating a harmonious balance that is truly irresistible. This combination elevates a simple dessert into a memorable experience, perfect for a healthy indulgence.

When I refer to “raw” desserts, it’s important to clarify my interpretation. My versions aren’t always 100% technically raw, and that’s a choice I’m comfortable with for several reasons. For instance, I opt for readily available unsweetened cocoa powder instead of raw cacao powder. While cacao is the raw form of chocolate, its higher cost would make it impractical for the frequency with which we enjoy these treats in our household. Additionally, maple syrup, my sweetener of choice, isn’t strictly raw either, as it typically undergoes some heating during its production. If you’re aiming for a dessert that is absolutely, strictly raw, these are points to consider.

However, these minor deviations don’t diminish the incredible health benefits and deliciousness of these brownies. They are packed with nutritious ingredients, making them a far healthier alternative to traditional baked brownies laden with refined sugars and flours. My primary goal is to create wholesome, satisfying desserts that make you feel good, and these brownies certainly fit that bill. The rich flavor and dense, fudgy texture provide a truly indulgent experience without any of the guilt.
The Magic of Wholesome Ingredients: Nuts, Dates, and Avocado
Let’s dive into the core components that make these raw vegan chocolate brownies so special. The base relies on a powerful combination of walnuts and almonds, providing not only a satisfying crunch but also a wealth of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Walnuts are renowned for their omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health, while almonds contribute vitamin E, an antioxidant, and magnesium for bone health. These nuts form the perfect foundation for a nutrient-dense brownie.
Medjool dates are the natural sweetener and binder for the brownie base. These plump, caramel-like fruits are not only delicious but also a fantastic source of natural sugars, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium. Their stickiness is key to holding the brownie mixture together without the need for baking, ensuring a perfectly moist and chewy texture. When processed with the nuts, they create a wonderfully dense, fudgy consistency that mimics traditional brownies.

Now, for the star of the show: the avocado-based chocolate frosting. The idea of using avocados in a dessert might seem unconventional to some, but trust me, they are a game-changer! Ripe avocados provide an incredibly creamy texture, mimicking the richness of butter or cream, without imparting any noticeable avocado flavor. Instead, they contribute healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health, and a host of vitamins and minerals. When blended with cocoa powder and maple syrup, avocados transform into a luxuriously smooth, deeply chocolatey frosting that is both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
Preparation Insights: Tips for Perfect Raw Brownies Every Time
Moving on to the preparation, you’ll notice from the images that I made these brownies in a loaf pan. This size is ideal for our household because, frankly, raw desserts tend to last us a bit longer. My husband can be particular about desserts, but more importantly, these healthy treats are genuinely satisfying. They curb your sweet tooth effectively without triggering cravings for more sugar, which is a fantastic benefit. Of course, if you’re serving a larger crowd or simply want more on hand, you can easily double this recipe and prepare it in an 8×8-inch pan. And a bonus tip: these brownies freeze exceptionally well! They taste absolutely delicious straight out of the freezer, as the avocado frosting maintains a delightful creaminess and doesn’t freeze solid, offering a delightful contrast to the fudgy base.

Regarding the frosting, you might notice a slightly gritty appearance in some photos. Please believe me when I say this is purely cosmetic and completely undetectable in taste or texture! This happened because I stopped processing a little prematurely, out of a concern for overworking my small mini food processor. In a moment of laziness, I opted to use the processor attachment that came with my immersion blender, rather than washing my regular-sized food processor. While convenient, this smaller appliance simply needed a bit more time to achieve perfect smoothness for the frosting. My advice is to blend the frosting ingredients until absolutely no flecks of green avocado remain. You’ll be rewarded with the most amazingly smooth, velvety frosting you could imagine. Even if it doesn’t look perfectly smooth, rest assured the taste will be phenomenal.

I couldn’t bring myself to exclude any of these mouth-watering pictures from the post, so I hope you’ll forgive me for the abundance of visuals! Now, let’s get to the recipe so you can experience these incredible brownies for yourself.


Raw Vegan Chocolate Frosted Brownies
Author: Erin Dooner
Servings: 8-12 small brownies
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
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Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 C walnuts
- 1/4 C almonds
- 1 C soft Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder for a truly raw version)
- Pinch sea salt
- Dash vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and scooped
- 1/4 C cocoa powder (or cacao powder for a truly raw version)
- 1/4 C + 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Dash vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or plastic wrap, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a food processor, first blend the walnuts and almonds until no large pieces remain and they resemble a coarse flour. Transfer the processed nuts to a separate bowl.
- Add the pitted Medjool dates to the food processor and process until a sticky “dough” forms. This will take a few minutes as the dates break down and clump together.
- Once the dates are fully processed, add the ground nuts, cocoa powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract back into the food processor. Process until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is uniform. The mixture may not stick together initially but should hold together when pinched between your fingers.
- Press the brownie mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- To make the frosting, combine the ripe avocados, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a clean food processor. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible green flecks from the avocado. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Pour the smooth chocolate frosting over the brownie base in the loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the brownies by placing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the frosting to prevent air exposure, which can cause oxidation (browning) of the avocado.
- Refrigerate the brownies for 1-2 hours, or until they are firm and chilled through, and ready to serve.
- These brownies will keep well for up to 4-5 days when stored covered in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen, well-wrapped, for up to 2 months. Note that the top layer of the avocado frosting may darken slightly over time due to oxidation, but this will not affect its delicious taste or texture.
Note: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder on top before serving. A few fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, also make a beautiful and delicious garnish.
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Enjoy these incredibly simple yet profoundly satisfying raw vegan chocolate frosted brownies. They are a testament to how healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned raw food enthusiast or just looking for a wholesome dessert option, these brownies are sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Their rich, fudgy texture and creamy chocolate frosting make them an irresistible treat that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to an elegant dessert, these no-bake wonders prove that healthy can be utterly delicious!
