Raw Brownies with Fudgy Chocolate Avocado Frosting Recipe | Foodal (2024)

Think avocados are just for savory dishes? Give these raw brownies a try and then report back to me. I’m confident they’ll change your mind.

So, which is your downfall: sweet or salty?

For me, it’s always been less about the flavor and more about the texture. Sweet or salty, it doesn’t matter as long as it’s rich and creamy!

As a dietitian, it may seem odd when I say that high-fat foods are my favorites, but stick with me here.

Sure, bacon and fried foods are high in fat, but what I’m talking about are foods with healthy fats like peanut butter, cashews, full-fat Greek yogurt, and of course, avocados.

While it may sound like an oxymoron, healthy fats are essential to keep our bodies running smoothly (and our taste buds happy).

Just some of these functions include energy storage, absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, and building cell membranes and walls. They also play key roles in numerous processes, including inflammation, blood clotting, and muscle contractions.

So what exactly are these healthy fats? There are two types in particular that are beneficial for health:

The first is monounsaturated fat. A type of unsaturated fat, these are a key component of the Mediterranean Diet and have been shown to protect heart health. Good food sources include walnuts, avocados and avocado oil, peanut butter, nuts, and seeds.

The second biggie is omega-3 fatty acids. A type of polyunsaturated fat, omega-3’s have been shown to help prevent and even treat heart disease and stroke. They’re also being researched for their potential in supporting brain health and reducing inflammation. You’ll find them in fatty fish (especially salmon), flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

As you can see from the ingredient list, these brownies are packed with healthy fats thanks to walnuts and avocado.

In addition to being nutritious, the walnuts and avocado are also responsible for making this dessert every bit as luxurious as ones made with a more traditional recipe.

Okay, enough about fat. Aren’t brownies also supposed to be sweet?

Absolutely! But we’re accomplishing this without any white sugar. Instead, this recipe uses the natural sugars found in honey and dates.

So, how do these taste?

If you love dense, fudgy brownies then prepare for your eyes to roll back after taking your first bite.

The bitterness of the cocoa balanced out by the honey-sweetened frosting gives these just the right amount of sweetness. Combined with the irresistibly smooth frosting, it’ll be hard not to go back for seconds!

So forget about baking brownies and put your food processor to work. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have the fudgiest, chocolatey gluten-free dessert – no oven, butter, or sugar required!

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Cooking by the Numbers…

Step 1 – Prepare Loaf Pan, Pit Dates, and Measure Ingredients

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some extra hanging off the sides so that the brownies can be lifted out, like a sling. Set aside.

Slice dates in half and remove the pits if this hasn’t been done already. If your dates are dry and no longer soft, reconstitute them in a bowl of hot water for 10 minutes until softened.

Measure out all of the remaining ingredients.

Note: to make vegan, substitute maple syrup for the honey.

Step 2 – Make Brownie Layer

In a food processor, combine walnuts, dates, and 1/3 cup of cocoa powder. Pulse until soft and crumbly. Add 2 tablespoons of water and pulse again until the mixture sticks together well.

If it’s still crumbly, add additional water 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired texture.

Transfer mixture into prepared loaf pan and press down firmly into an even layer. Set aside.

Step 3 – Blend Frosting

Using the same food processor – no need to clean it out first – pulse the ripe avocado, honey, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

Taste and adjust salt, honey, or cinnamon as needed.

Step 4 – Frost and Freeze

Using a rubber spatula, spread the frosting evenly on top of the brownie layer.

Place in the freezer for 30-60 minutes, or until firm.

Step 5 – Slice and Serve

Remove the loaf pan from the freezer. Using the extra parchment paper on the sides, lift them out of the loaf pan.

Slice into 10 equal pieces and serve immediately. Any leftovers may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.