Raw Vegan Recipes: No-Bake Pumpkin Brownies

All the decadence–without the guilt.

Are you ready for a brownie of a different breed? These raw vegan pumpkin brownies don’t require any baking (just a great blender!), and they’re sure to give you a little (or big) boost of pumpkin-y-chocolate-y goodness.

With their whole-food ingredients, these autumn-inspired goodies are full of natural enzymes and antioxidants. (Can a pre-packaged brownie mix say that?) Pumpkins, for one, are fiber-rich and bursting with beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that fends of cancer and dull skin, so you can glow like a jack-o-lantern. (Sort of?) They’re also a good source of vitamin C—just in time for cold season.

Not to mention, the texture is heavenly: part crunchy brownie, part velvety cheesecake. So decadent, yet without the guilt. Perfect for sharing, perfect for hoarding 🙂

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Brownies

Ingredients:

(Makes 10-12 good-sized brownies)

Brownie Crust:

1 cup raw pecans

¾ cup raw almonds

4 pitted dates

2 ½ tbsp. maple syrup or agave nectar

¼ tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tbsp raw cacao powder

Pumpkin Topping:

1 cup raw puréed pumpkin

2 cups raw cashews

½ cup maple syrup or agave nectar

1/3 cup coconut oil

Directions:

1. Place all of the crust ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor. Process until ingredients are more or less uniform in texture. Alternatively, leave a handful of nuts out and throw them in at the last minute for crunchier texture. You may also add a few spoonfuls of water if the crust is too dry to cohere. Spread mixture in a 9-inch brownie or pie pan. Using the back of a spoon (or clean fingers), press and flatten crust. Make sure you’ve created an even layer. Set aside.

2. Process all of the filling ingredients until smooth and creamy, and pour over crust. Smooth into an even layer. Garnish with a dusting of cacao powder.

3. Cover and place in the freezer for at least four hours before serving. Allow the brownie to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares serving.