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Smart Sweet: Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

A raw Brownie?! It sure is!

This sweet and savory treat can tackle any chocolate craving, not to mention provide that ooey, gooey brownie texture we all know, love and crave! But the real kicker is, it actually contains real whole food ingredients! This treat isn’t only appropriate at dessert, it is an energy filled treat that travels with you (or your kids!) on the run, at work or anytime you need of a fuel-filling source.

Made with dates, walnuts and packed with crunchy hazelnuts, this brownie is no match for those refined flour and sugar confections. Dates provide a sweet caramel flavor as they contain natural sugar, but packed with fiber these delicious morsels will give you long lasting energy rather than a short spike in your blood sugar. As a health nut, I go nuts (literally) for the next protein packed ingredients, walnuts and hazelnuts. Walnuts provide the highest amount of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s have shown to improve cholesterol and aid in memory. Not to mention strengthen and moisturize hair, skin and nails. Hazelnuts are no underdog, they contain a wealth of antioxidants known as proanthocyanidins (PACs) that have shown to lower blood pressure, inflammation and aid in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease.

Who knew something so decadent could be so healthy!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (480 g) walnuts
  • 2 1/2 cups (570 g)  medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 cup (200 g) cacao powder
  • 1 cup (200 g)  hazelnuts
  • Dash of sea salt

Directions

  1. Place walnuts in food processor and process on high until the nuts are finely ground.
  2. Add cacao powder and salt, pulse to combine.
  3. Add the dates one at a time while the food processor is running. The texture should change from crumbly to sticky and doughy, if it is too crumbly add more dates.
  4. Add in hazelnuts, pulse just to combine for crunchy brownies or run longer for more smooth texture.
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, flatten dough onto baking sheet and cover with another piece of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll out brownies to 1/3 inch think. Place in freezer or fridge for 1-2 hours to set. Cut into 20 squares (about 3” x 3”). Store in an airtight container in refrigerator or freezer.
    **Recipe adapted from My New Roots blog.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Servings: 20

Calories: 150

Fat: 8g

Trans Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 30mg

Carbohydrates: 22g

Fiber: 4g

Sugars: 16g

Protein: 3g