cakes + cookies + sweets/ raw/ recipes

Raw Vegan Brownies

Raw Vegan Brownies | Well and Full | #vegan #plantbased #recipe

These deliciously fudgy raw vegan brownies are made with only five ingredients! The perfect effortless dessert!

Whenever I meet new people, I have this annoying tendency to ask them what their hobbies are. I didn’t even notice it until my friends starting teasing me about it: “Hey!! I’m Sarah!! What are your hobbies!?” – Them imitating me. But honestly, this one question is a great way to get to know someone. Especially since being busy at breakneck speed seems to be such a norm nowadays, people are usually very selective with what they do in their spare time. I know for me personally, I’m constantly struggling with juggling work + Ivy dog + this blog + exercise + friends/family + yoga teacher training. Even though I have a full-time career in finance, I consider this blog to be a part-time job. With the amount of time I’ve invested into this space, it certainly warrants that title! But in a way, that makes the time I do consider to be “free” even more meaningful.

Raw Vegan Brownies | Well and Full | #vegan #plantbased #recipe

So today I thought I’d turn the tables on myself, and tell everyone else what my hobbies are (besides delicious vegan food, of course!!!)

1// READING // This is probably my favorite thing to do. I spend at least an hour reading every day – I usually fit it in when I’m eating. I know a lot of people advocate against reading while eating but this habit stems from my childhood – after school, I would always have an after-school snack (pretzels or carrots) and read. I’m just so used to the two together that sometimes it feels unnatural to eat if I’m not reading!! I remember this one time I was on vacation on the Cape with my parents and they were out doing their own thing for dinner. So what did I do? I brought my kindle into the local dive bar and had a cider + beer snacks with my book. I’m pretty sure the bartender thought I was nuts, but life is way too short not to do what you love!!

2// ICE SKATING + ROLLERBLADING // I’ve never been good at conventional sports, but I’m usually weirdly good at alternative athletics like yoga, ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, and figure skating. I actually took figure skating lessons growing up and I had started to get pretty good. But when I was 11, I broke my wrist on a jump (compound fracture, double break, in a full cast for two months) which effectively ended my skating career. For some years I was terrified about getting back on the ice. But in college, I decided to go for broke and join the figure skating club, which was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! I met so many great girls and had a blast improving my skating. I was even inspired to get rollerblades to practice on the pavement, as I had once done during my childhood lessons. Now, in the #RealWorld, I try to go to public skating sessions at the local rink, and get out out on my blades whenever I can!

3// COOKING SHOWS // I’m obsessed with cooking shows. I’ve seen nearly every episode of Iron Chef America ever. In fact, Donatella Arpaia (a regular judge on the show) favorited one of my instagrams and I almost had a heart attack. My other favorite shows include The Next Iron Chef, Chopped, Cupcake Wars, Good Eats (I LOVE Alton Brown), and more recently, Cutthroat Kitchen.

4 // HIKING + LAKE SWIMMING + BROOK STOMPING + BEING IN NATURE // I grew up in a small farm town in New England and have been blessed to live so close to so many great outdoor places. Even my own backyard is surrounded by a large expanse of forest, in which I played make-believe as a child. Being ensconced in nature is something that just feels so… well… natural to me. I live in the city now and it’s very hard being surrounded by so many roads and buildings and people. Besides going to my hometown, I love going up to New Hampshire with my parents and spending time in our house up there… the open spaces and rolling green hills and trees are just so beautiful in that country. Really being in nature in any capacity makes me happy. I especially love swimming in lakes and reservoirs and kettle ponds. But my FAVORITE thing to do has to be brook stomping. I learned this at camp growing up, and basically it’s where you find a brook and stomp around in it. It’s just the best. You get to walk on stepping stones and cool streams of water and smooth pebbles. I just love streams and brooks, especially in the forest!! I get so happy just thinking about them !!!

So those are my hobbies! Now onto these raw vegan brownies… I had my friends taste test them, as usual, and one of their reactions went something like this:

“It doesn’t really taste like a brownie.” Pause. “It’s actually pretty good. Can I have another one?”

Three brownies later, my friends had eaten almost half of my entire batch. “But you can’t call them brownies. They don’t taste like brownies.”  As you can see by the title, I didn’t listen to this advice. HOWEVER, it is true that these don’t taste like normal brownies. Instead, they taste like nutty, chocolately, decadently HEALTHY brownie treats. For me, eating something that’s healthy tastes infinitely better than unhealthy, because my stomach feels happy eating this way. And then when you can combine happy taste buds + happy belly, it = THE BEST.

Raw Vegan Brownies | Well and Full | #vegan #plantbased #recipe

Raw Vegan Brownies

These delicious, raw vegan brownies are made healthy with raw cacao, walnuts, and medjool dates!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/3 Cups Walnuts
  • 8-9 Medjool Dates pitted
  • 1/4 Cup Raw Cacao Powder
  • 2 Tbs Water
  • Shredded Coconut

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor, combine walnuts, dates, water, and cacao powder. Pulse until a sticky, even meal is formed.
  • In a small baking pan, spread out brownie mixture to desired thickness.
  • Sprinkle a little shredded coconut on top, as much or as little as you like!
  • Set brownies in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving.
  • Brownies should be stored in the refrigerator and are delicious when chilled!

Raw Vegan Brownies | Well and Full | #vegan #plantbased #recipe

Dog of the Day:

My pup Ivy! Silly puppy, cacao isn’t for doggies!

P.S.

If you make these raw vegan brownies, be sure to tag me on Instagram @wellandfull so I can see! :)

45 Comments

  • Reply
    Martina Slajerova
    August 23, 2015 at 7:36 pm

    These brownies look amazing Sarah! And I love how easy it is to make them. I don’t usually use dates but may give these a go on my carb-up days :-)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 25, 2015 at 5:21 pm

      Thanks Martina!! :D

  • Reply
    Danielle + Rooting The Sun
    August 23, 2015 at 10:42 pm

    Hi Sarah! I think inquiring about hobbies is a totally relevant way to better know somebody – I must agree that often people are selective with their spare time. I think what we do in those down-time moments speak volumes for who we really are.

    When I’m not working or developing ideas for the blog I am most definitely reserving all the time I can for being outside. I, too, feel that when I’m surrounded by nature I am singing ode to the most primitive and relaxed state of being. This feeling ties into my gardening as well – but equally it thrills me to be able to cultivate forms of nourishment. I also love to read – and I admire your dedication to reading every day. I am an English student at heart and often it’s poetry, literature, or recently a lot of non-fiction (I think the scientist in me is coming out a lot, just don’t tell me I have to do math). If not those things I am busy spying on my dog (she’s always on a mission) or dissecting cookbooks. I feel you so much on the cooking shows – I don’t currently have cable but I am a total junkie. :)

    The brownies: look and sound fabulous. Ivy is such a beauty, I absolutely love the photograph of her creeping on the brownies! I can’t wait to try these!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 24, 2015 at 11:09 am

      Wow it sounds like we have a lot of hobbies in common! :D I would love to have a garden but I don’t have a yard right now :( But hiking and swimming and being in nature ties me over!! And also I wanted to mention that I don’t have a TV, I just watch my cooking shows on Netflix! :)

  • Reply
    Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
    August 24, 2015 at 9:54 am

    I LOVE that you ask about people’s hobbies first! I met someone once that said ‘I’m not going to ask you what you do for a living, because that might not be who you really are’. For me, I work in corporate social media, but my hobbies are baking and reading (woo!) too, so I fully appreciate your question :) Just reading your paragraph about getting outside made me realize that I need to get outside more, while we can. Summer seems to be slipping away and I just can’t handle winter coming!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 24, 2015 at 11:11 am

      I know!! I feel like I blinked and it was August! But the thing I like about late summer is that all of the ponds/lakes are much warmer from the heat all summer, so it’s perfect for swimming :)

  • Reply
    dixya | food, pleasure, and health
    August 24, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    i do ask people what they like to do as well..thats how i get to know them a little bit better maybe..well does eating count as hobbies :P

    i like to be outdoors as much as i can but i live in ft worth texas, w hich makes it very very difficult. i also enjoy running, cooking, and recently have started taking yoga. my boyfriend is the same way, for him healthy/raw/vegan things aren’t “real” but regardless he will eat them.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 25, 2015 at 9:19 am

      What is it with 75% of dudes thinking that vegan food isn’t “real” food? Ugh. But I’ve seen the recipes on your blog girl, I bet you can convert him in no time ;)

  • Reply
    Jessie Snyder | Faring Well
    August 24, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    I love this – so fun to get to know you more through your list of hobbies! Your childhood sounds like a dream. **swoon** All that nature. And these brownies – love love love. Can never get enough of raw brownies. Stellar job girl! <3

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 25, 2015 at 9:27 am

      Aww thanks girl :)

  • Reply
    Link Love -
    August 25, 2015 at 3:17 am

    […] out these super simple and delicious looking raw brownies.  And then make some with beetroot […]

  • Reply
    Dearna || to her core
    August 25, 2015 at 8:16 am

    Asking peoples hobbies is a great way to get to know people! I’ll have to rememebr this question next time Im stuck for conversation when meeting someone new :) And Im loving the chocolate brownies – raw wholefoods brownies are the best!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 25, 2015 at 9:30 am

      Thanks Dearna! I’m glad you liked the brownies! :D

  • Reply
    Grace @ FoodFitnessFreshAir.com
    August 25, 2015 at 9:26 am

    I feel you…life can sometimes feel like one big juggling act, right? So important to juggle some hobbies in there too. Hiking’s my favorite, especially when swimming is involved…and post-adventure brownies.

  • Reply
    Kelly // The Pretty Bee
    August 25, 2015 at 9:58 am

    Oooh…these brownies! I could easily eat a whole batch, they look so good. I have a lot of hobbies! I love to read, and do any kind of craft (make wreathes, knit a little bit, paint things), and I homeschool my boys, so although that isn’t a hobby, I do enjoy learning more about how to make learning fun for kids.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 25, 2015 at 10:54 am

      That’s awesome!! Crafting is so much fun, and I actually find it very calming as well! :D

  • Reply
    Linda @ Veganosity
    August 25, 2015 at 10:02 am

    Asking someone what their hobbies are is a genius way to get to know someone. So much better than asking what they do for a living. I’m stealing your idea. ;)

    The raw brownies look amazing, and such an easy recipe. I have all of the ingredients in my pantry. I’m making them today. :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 25, 2015 at 10:54 am

      Thanks Linda!! Let me know how they turn out!! :D

  • Reply
    Julia
    August 25, 2015 at 11:52 am

    I absolutely love that you rollerblade! I saw an older gent rollerblading on this footpath I walk on the other evening and thought to myself I need to re-live the ’90s and get a pair. How.flipping.fun!

    Kudos to you for working full-time and blogging! It’s no easy feat, for sure!! These brownies look like a slice of heaven and I love how healthful they are – definitely a must make!!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 25, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks so much for your note, Julia! If you’re considering getting rollerblades I would definitely recommend them!! It’s probably the most fun cardio ever ;)

  • Reply
    Erica
    August 25, 2015 at 12:10 pm

    These look AMAZING. I love reading your man’s reaction to them, mainly because I can imagine my boyfriend saying the same thing haha. And your pup is so cute!!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 25, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      Aww thank you!! She’s my little pride and joy :)

  • Reply
    The Vegan 8
    August 25, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    Haha, I think that’s an awesome start to a conversation…it’s better than “How’s the weather?” lol! These brownies look wonderful. I love raw brownies and I love simple few ingredient recipes! They are gorgeous!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 25, 2015 at 3:14 pm

      Thank you so much Brandi!! I’m a huge fan of your amazing vegan baking creations as well :D

  • Reply
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
    August 25, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    First of all, amazing brownies!! SOOO beyond fudgy!
    And hobbies…well cooking obviously, my #1! Reading for sure, and omg I love ice skating but I haven’t gone in years!!!
    Coloring is fun too, but I don’t do it often enough!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 25, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      YESS coloring!! I don’t do it nearly often enough either. But how awesome is it to break open a fresh new box of crayons?! :D

  • Reply
    Cady | Wild Heart of Life
    August 26, 2015 at 11:34 am

    Sarah what the heck, you’r secret talents are freakin’ awesome. And raw brownies = the best kind. Straight from the freezer slice of heavenly joy. Cute pup as well! The head tilt gets me ever time.

    PS Come visit me at Dartmouth next time you’re in NH! I will take you on lots of fun hikes! :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 26, 2015 at 2:25 pm

      OMG I would LOVE that!! I actually visited Dartmouth when I was looking at colleges and I LOVED the area. I actually had one of the best meals of my life at one of the cafes on campus…. it was just a simple, minestrone soup + a blended smoothie made from fresh fruit. I’d love to go back again!! :D

  • Reply
    Yuen Shan @ YuenShan.com
    August 26, 2015 at 1:08 pm

    Hi Sarah, I was browsing the internet and stumbled on to your blog. I identify with you. I have many hobbies, but am also constantly struggling to balance them with my work life. What we do outside of work definitely gives more dimensions to my personality, and I find that people are often more interested in what I do after work than what I do for work!

    Also, I read some of your posts, and I really like your photography! I especially like the one where your dog is looking up at the brownies – it’s such a good picture! Super cute. :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 26, 2015 at 2:23 pm

      Thank you so much for stopping by, Yuen! Thank you for the nice compliment about my puppy… she’s my little recipe tester!! (Except for this one because doggies can’t have cacao :p )

  • Reply
    Jennifer @ Delicious Everyday
    August 26, 2015 at 6:25 pm

    Those brownies look amazing!! And Ivy looks so adorable eyeing them off! :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 26, 2015 at 11:37 pm

      Thanks Jennifer!! :) I think she looks pretty cute as well ;)

  • Reply
    GiGi Eats
    August 27, 2015 at 12:09 am

    5 stars
    Raw recipes always really impress me, so you’re totally impressing me right now! :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 27, 2015 at 12:59 pm

      Thanks GiGi!! <3 :D

  • Reply
    genevieve @ gratitude & greens
    August 31, 2015 at 1:00 am

    I love reading too!! Slightly obsessed, actually. I was the kid who read under the dinner table and under my blanket at night. I love getting swept away by a good plot and getting to know the characters, and I’m always sad when there isn’t a happy ending or one of my favourite characters dies. These brownies sound out of this world and your pup is adorable! I grew up with dogs but they’re with my parents, who I no longer live with. I miss having a cuddle buddy!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      August 31, 2015 at 7:56 am

      It’s so hard transitioning from having a dog to not having one!! Have you ever considered adopting a rescue pup? :D

  • Reply
    Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
    September 3, 2015 at 12:10 am

    Sarah, your puppy is absolutely adorable! What a cutie <3 I have to admit the hobby question is a funny one :) but also a fun one — it is definitely a good way to get to know people.

    My hobbies are all sort of solitary — I love hanging out with friends and my husband of course, but I love "me time" much, much more. In fact, I really need "me time". I love to be outdoors — hiking with my two dogs, finding quiet and inspiring places in the forest, wild foraging, photography, design work, listening to good music, reading good books or poetry, traveling, but most importantly baking — it's truly my creative outlet.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      September 3, 2015 at 8:04 am

      I’m so glad you responded, Audrey, because that’s exactly how I feel about my free time. I’m definitely introverted. When I’m reading, or playing piano, or going hiking alone, I feel at peace. Also when I’m cooking! :D It sounds like we have a lot of hobbies in common! <3

  • Reply
    Samantha
    September 7, 2015 at 6:18 am

    Wow i need to try these, so simple and they look fantastic! Happy i discovered your beautiful blog! xx

    • Reply
      Sarah
      September 7, 2015 at 10:37 am

      Thank you Samantha!! :D

  • Reply
    Trisha
    September 7, 2015 at 7:13 am

    Oh, these brownies looks amazing and I love how short the ingredient list is. In my experience, the simpler the recipe, the better the food. Me and my guy are always going for raw when we want a dessert and next time I’d like to try these ones :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      September 7, 2015 at 10:39 am

      Ooh if you give them a try let me know how they come out!! :)

  • Reply
    Raw Revive
    September 17, 2015 at 11:29 pm

    Isn’t this recipe so easy and awesome!!?? I love using these ingredients to make brownie bites, and sometimes dip them in raw almond butter! so good!! :) awesome job on your blog Sarah, keep it up!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      September 18, 2015 at 7:36 am

      Thank you so much!! :D

  • Reply
    29 Incredible Ways to Use Walnuts in Paleo Cooking | Paleo Grubs
    September 25, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    […] 24. Raw Brownies These raw brownies were my very first introduction to alternative healthier foods, and they left a lasting impression. They taste deliciously fudgy and sweet, but they’re made from nothing by walnuts, dates, cacao powder, and shredded coconut! And they’re no-bake, too. […]

  • Leave a Reply

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.