Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 200 g walnuts (or pecans)
- 80 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 300 g medjool dates, pitted (about 15 dates)
- 200 g hazelnut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
For Frosting
- 1 batch vegan ganache (see notes)
Optional Toppings
- Toasted hazelnuts
- Freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the dry mix: Add the walnuts, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and sea salt to a food processor. Blitz for a couple of minutes until the mixture resembles a fine crumb consistency.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the pitted dates, hazelnut butter, and vanilla powder to the processor. Blend again until the mixture sticks together to form a cohesive dough.
- Press mixture into pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper and press the raw brownie mixture evenly into the pan. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon. Place the pan in the refrigerator to firm up for 1-2 hours.
- Prepare ganache: While the brownies chill, prepare a batch of vegan chocolate ganache or vegan Nutella for the frosting.
- Frost the brownies: Remove the brownie base from the fridge and spread the ganache evenly on top using an offset spatula. Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts and freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries if desired.
- Chill to set: Place the frosted brownies back in the fridge for at least one hour to allow the ganache to firm up completely.
- Serve and store: Slice the brownies into individual portions. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. They may also be kept at room temperature for up to a day in cool climates, or frozen for up to three months separated by parchment paper.
Notes
- Note 1: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for best flavor.
- Note 2: Medjool dates are ideal for their natural sweetness and softness.
- Note 3: Hazelnut butter can be substituted with almond or peanut butter if preferred.
- Note 4: Vanilla powder enhances flavor, but vanilla extract can also be used.
- Note 5: Vegan ganache is typically made with dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream; prepare according to your favorite recipe.
- Optional toppings like toasted hazelnuts and freeze-dried fruit add crunch and tartness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan