Raw Vegan Caramel Brownies Recipe
Indulge in these decadent Raw Vegan Caramel Brownies, a wholesome treat combining rich walnuts, creamy cashew butter, luscious medjool dates, and layers of smooth caramel and dark chocolate. This no-bake dessert is perfect for plant-based diets, featuring natural sweetness and a delightful balance of flavors and textures that satisfy your chocolate cravings while keeping it healthy and vegan.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16-24 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan, Raw
- Diet: Vegan
Brownie Base
- 200 g (1 ¾ cups) walnuts or pecans
- 80 g (¾ cup + 2 tsp) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or raw cacao powder)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 300 g (2 cups) medjool dates, pitted (about 15 dates)
- 200 g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) cashew butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
Caramel Layer
- 225 g (¾ cup) medjool dates, pitted (about 11 dates)
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) pure maple syrup
- 80 g (⅓ cup) cashew butter
- 240 g (1 cup) chilled canned full-fat coconut milk (use only the thick part from the top of the can)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon solid coconut oil
Topping
- 180 g (6.3 oz) dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoons cashew butter
- 20 pecans
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
- Prepare the Brownie Base: Add the walnuts, cocoa powder, and sea salt to a food processor and blitz for a few minutes until the mixture resembles a fine crumb consistency. Then add the pitted dates, cashew butter, and vanilla extract if using, and blend again until the ingredients stick together into a dough-like consistency.
- Set the Brownie Base: Press the raw brownie mixture firmly into an 8 x 8-inch cake tin lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface evenly. Place the tin in the refrigerator to chill and firm up.
- Make the Caramel Layer: Combine all caramel ingredients—pitted dates, maple syrup, cashew butter, thick coconut milk, vanilla extract, and solid coconut oil—in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed to avoid lumps.
- Assemble the Caramel: Spread the creamy caramel evenly over the chilled brownie base using a spatula. Set the assembled base and caramel in the freezer for about an hour to allow the caramel to firm, or refrigerate overnight for best results.
- Prepare Topping: Gently melt the dark chocolate and cashew butter together, stirring until well combined and smooth. Pour this chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Add Pecans and Salt: Arrange the pecans on top of the melted chocolate to ensure they stick well. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for a savory contrast.
- Final Set: Place the assembled brownies in the freezer again for 10-15 minutes to let the topping firm up.
- Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into 16 to 24 portions depending on your preferred size. Keep stored in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor or raw cacao powder for a slightly more bitter, intense taste.
- Dates: If your dates are dry, soak them in boiled water for 20 minutes, then drain before using to ensure softness and ease of blending.
- Cashew Butter Substitutes: Almond butter, peanut butter, hazelnut butter, or tahini can be used as alternatives depending on your dietary preferences or allergies.
Keywords: raw vegan brownies, caramel brownies, no-bake dessert, vegan dessert, healthy brownies, raw caramel, cashew butter brownies, gluten free brownies