Raw Brownies with Banana Frosting

Today’s quick and easy recipe of raw brownies with banana frosting is brought to us by wonderlifeofsarah

First I would like to start with a quick throwback to when I transitioned into plant based diet. At the time I also had many misconceptions about a lack of vegan desserts and that I have to wave goodbye to my favourite thing – chocolate desserts.

Then one weekend, as I visited my friend we experimented with vegan recipes a lot and realised how wide and exciting the plant food world is. And that one evening, we were really craving some dessert. I wanted my chocolate cake, RIGHT NOW!

I was in no mood to actually bake, and plain chocolate bar was not enough. So I decided to make my first ever raw, super speedy dessert. A story, how my simple, yet perfect raw brownies with banana frosting came to live.

Somehow, the improvisation ended with such a great result, this recipe is now a favorite in my own family, but my friend’s mother never fails to serve it to her guests.

I often like to praise myself but I have to say, these are really the best raw brownies I have ever tastes.

Brownies In a Flash

Let’s get to the actual process of making these.

You will only need couple utensils – bowl, spatula, pan/form (rectangular recommended), and either a food processor or a strong mixer.

For ingredients, I highly recommend using the combination of prunes and walnuts. You can always substitute for other dried fruit and nuts, but I find the uniqueness of these brownies in not using dates, as most of other raw desserts are full of them. Walnuts are my personal favorite and I found them very good in combination with the little almonds.

Looking at the frosting, your bananas need to be very ripe. It won’t work as well if you use too green fruit, also the level of sweetness will further decrease.

One trick I learned when making these over and over, avocado works great as a banana substitute. I enjoyed a version when I used one avocado and one banana, but I think it would work well with just two avocados. However, again you need to choose them carefully. No brownness allowed.

Enough explanations I think, now let’s get to the actual recipe.

Simple, no bake brownies. Very decadent chocolate flavor, covered in healthy banana chocolate frosting. Oil-free, refined-sugar free, vegan.

INGREDIENTS:

Brownie Base

  • 2 cups walnut
  • 1/2 cup almond
  • 3/4 cup cacao powder
  • 2 1/2 cup pitted prunes (soaked beforehand if not soft and sticky)
  • 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt
  • *2 tbsp maple syrup (if you want extra sweetness)

Banana Frosting

  • 2 ripe bananas (need to be very soft)
  • 3/4 cup cacao powder
  • 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean or essence

INSTRUCTIONS: 

  1. In a mixer or a food processor, blend the soft prunes until you get a sticky paste.

2. If your food processor/mixer is big, you can add all the remaining ingredients – nut meal, salt, cocoa (syrup) and blend well together. Alternatively, transfer the prune paste and other ingredients into a big bowl and mix with a spatula.

3. Line a rectangular (approximately 7 to 11 inch sized) pan with a baking paper and fill it with your brownie dough. Spread it evenly and press down firmly. (use a back of a flat glass for example).

4. Set the base aside.

5. In a cleaned food processor/mixer blend bananas, cocoa powder, salt and vanilla well together. It should be liquid enough to pour on top of the brownies.

6. Do exactly that – pour the frosting on top of the brownies and spread evenly. Put away into a freezer for at least an hour (or a fridge for even longer) before serving.

7, After the brownies are set, remove them from the pan and cut into square shapes. Let them melt a bit before diving in.

8. Enjoy them with extra nut or coconut sprinkles!

RECIPE NOTES

These brownies are great stored in a freezer for a longer time, keep in mind to remove them about 30 min ahead before serving. In an airtight container, they will last in a fridge for about a week as well.

Raw Brownies with Banana Frosting article written by and all photos are copyright of wonderlifeofsarah

Website: www.wonderlifeofsara.com