Just in time for Valentine's Day, a recipe for a divine and decadent chocolate brownie to share with the ones that you love! And not just any brownie, a raw, vegan, gluten-free brownie with raw cacao - bursting with beneficial antioxidants. You won't help but fall in love with this nutritious and delicious dessert.

Raw Vegan Chocolate Frosted Brownies

Prep Time: 15 min

Total Time: 15

Yield: 8 -12 small brownies

Ingredients:

Brownie

1/2 C walnuts

1/2 C almonds

1 C  dates

1/4 C cacao powder

pinch of Himalayan salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

Frosting

2 ripe avocados

1/4 C cacao powder

1/4 C + 1 tbsp maple syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla

pinch Himalayan salt

Instructions

Prepare a loaf pan by lining with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a food processor, blend the nuts until no large pieces remain. Place the nuts into a bowl. Add the dates to the food processor and blend until a "dough" forms.

Add the nuts, cacao, salt, and vanilla to the date "dough" in the processor, and process until thoroughly combined. The mixture may not stick together, but it will hold together when pinched.

Pour the mixture into the loaf pan, and press down firmly.

Prepare the frosting. Add all frosting ingredients into the clean bowl of the food processor, and process until completely smooth and no green pieces remain. Scrape the side of the food processor as needed.

Pour the frosting mixture over the brownies and smooth out with a spatula. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the frosting so that no air can touch it (or else it will oxidize). Refrigerate 1-2 hours until ready to serve.

Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts or freshly sliced strawberries.

Brownies will last 4-5 days covered in the fridge, or can be frozen for two months.

Recipe courtesy of Heidi @ Food Doodles.

http://fooddoodles.com/2013/06/04/raw-vegan-chocolate-frosted-brownies/