I’m always on the search for healthy and delicious desserts that don’t contain refined sugar and flour. Recently, I’ve been drawn to RAW desserts since they are whole food based, unrefined, unheated and don’t contain gluten or dairy. When I had the opportunity to bring in a raw food chef to teach a Raw Desserts Class for my Living Gluten-Free Community I jumped at the chance. Cara Roth opened my eyes to a whole new world of delicious desserts that you can indulge in (guilt-free) because they contain wholesome ingredients!
Here’s my pick this holiday season. I’ve been making them for all my holiday parties so I have something healthy AND delicious to snack on 🙂
Nourish by Cara – One Bite Brownies
1 1/2 cups almonds, cashews or walnuts (or a combination)
1/2 cup raw cacao powder (not to be mistaken for heated and processed cocoa)
14 medjool dates (the juicy kind!)
1 tsp vanilla bean powder (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
Pinch unrefined sea salt
1) In a food processor, process the almonds or walnuts for a few seconds until they form a fine “flour”
2) Add the remaining ingredients and process until the mixture will stick together when you press it into a ball (if it’s not sticky enough add another date or two)
3) Shape into balls, roll in coconut or cacao nibs if desired and “bake” in the freezer to firm up – or eat them straight away!
I LOVE them rolled in coconut and stored in the fridge. I enjoy them cold while my husband likes them at room temperature for a more truffle-like melt in your mouth experience.
Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you, these are divinely delicious!
Low levels of magnesium are common in women who experience menstrual cramps? Raw cacao is very high in antioxidants and magnesium, making it especially beneficial for women who experience cravings for chocolate and painful cramps. Magnesium’s muscle-relaxing properties can also help relieve menstrual headaches and fatigue.
I’m convinced that these brownies are going to be my number one choice for foods to eat while in my birthing time 🙂 I’m surprised at how well the nut/date combo provides me with sustained energy and I LOVE the good-for-you chocolate!
I have to agree, these are to die for. They make a pretty regular appearance in our home. Great for adults but also a great healthy snack for tiny toddler hands.
I agree with you, I like them out of the fridge 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Yes! I forgot to mention that. They are definitely a hit with children! Thanks for stopping by Kim.
OMG, I am so going to make these in the next week! One question though, where would I buy raw cacao powder?
xoS
They are SO GOOD. You will not be disappointed. You can even eat them for breakfast 🙂 I found raw cacao powder at Whole Foods. The brand is Navitas Naturals. If the store you visit doesn’t have it then they can definitely order it in for you because they carry that brand. Enjoy!
These look really great. Who knew brownies could be a PMS remedy, I’m so on board. Love all the ingredients, anything with dates and coconut is worth trying.
Let me know how you like them Lauren! Definitely my favourite treat right now!
I LOVE all raw-chocolates too.
I suspect that you may NOT be eating much while in labor, if your experience is anything similar to any of the other women that I have known. 😉
Many Blessings on your soon-to-be parenthood, and may this bring you immense joy.
Namaste
lol It’ll be really interesting to see what/if I feel like eating while in labour. Right now I never go more than a few hours without food. I might like them in early labour, surprised by how much energy they give me and it lasts for a long time! Thank you for your kind words!
I’m gonna have to try these SOON!
Careful… they’re addictive! 😉
“Addictive”???…I reserve that for white sugar!!!
Thanks for the recipe. I LOVE raw chocolate desserts. These are wonderful!
These look so delicious, I need to make these pronto!
I love cooking with whole foods too. Have you used the Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook? It’s one of my favourites. http://www.nourishingmeals.com/
I know this post is old but I just discovered now (while 5 months pregnant!!) I made them today and they are SOOO good! It’s so nice to enjoy chocolate without the sugar! I have been eating a square or two of dark chocolate each day, but these babies will replace that habit! I plan on making them weekly! 🙂
I LOVE these! Thanks for the recipe!!!!