Easy Raw Food Dessert Recipes
The Raw Food Diet
The generally accepted definition of 'raw' within a raw food diet is any food that has not been heated above 40–49 °C (104–120 °F). Advocates of the raw food diet believe that heating food beyond this temperature causes the nutrition value of the ingredients to deteriorate. This results in valuable health benefits and nutrients being lost.
To be truly following a raw food diet a person needs to eat 100% uncooked, unprocessed food at all of their meals and snacks. Many people who do not wish to or cannot follow a fully raw diet chose to incorporate raw food recipes into their existing diets and eat a mixture of cooked and raw foods. Whichever you chose you will reap the benefits of the health giving goodness of raw foods and have a huge variety of recipes to choose from including desserts, soups, salads, cakes and even breads. Many raw food recipes are fairly straight forward to create though some do require more specialised ingredients or equipment such as a high powered blender or a dehydrator. Raw foods can be a great choice for anyone who is already following a plant based diet.
Raw Chocolate Brownies
Makes: Approx 16 brownies
2 cups raw almonds
1 pound Medjool dates with the stones removed
5 heaped teaspoons raw cacao powder
1-2 tablespoons raw agave nectar (optional)
1. Blend the almonds in a food processor until they are finely ground. Add all of the remaining ingredients and process until they combine fully.
2. Line a 8x8 tin or container with cling film. Pour in the brownie mixture and press down to firm and fill the tin. Place the brownie into the freezer for at least an hour or the refrigerator overnight. Cut into pieces and serve.
Variations
These brownies can also be made using other nuts and dried fruits (or a combination) so experiment with your favorites. I have made them with almonds, walnuts and a mixture if almonds, walnuts and unsalted peanuts and the results have been fine. I found that raisin and sultanas gave a strong ‘dried fruit’ taste but mixed dried berries added a touch of fruity flavour which was nice. Peppermint or orange essence could also be used to flavour the brownies.
Carob Chocolate Pudding
1 very ripe avocado
3 dates, soaked for 1/2 hour in water, then drained
1/2 cup raw carob powder
1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until completely smooth.
2. The pudding can be served immediately or placed in the fridge for a few hours first. This gives a firmer pudding.
Raw Chocolate Tart
Serves 6
300g pecans or almonds
200g medjool dates
4 medium sized ripe avocados
2 vanilla pods, seeds only
200g raw cacao powder
Small amount of raw chocolate (optional)
1. Grind the nuts in a food processor until finely ground. Add the dates and process until the mixture sticks together.
2. Line an 8x8 cake tin or similar container with cling film. Press the nut and date mixture into the container and cover with cling film. Place this into the fridge while you prepare the filling.
3. Remove any crust crumbs from the food processor bowl. Place the avocados, vanilla and cacao powder into the processor and blend until smooth and well combined.
4. Spoon the filling over the base, cover and place in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving. Chilling overnight is fine and will produce a firmer tart.
Tart can be topped with some grated raw chocolate, a sprinkling of cacao powder or fruit if you like.
This raw chocolate tart could also be made in individual portion sizes.
Raw Chocolate or Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
1 pint water
2 Tablespoons raw cacao or raw chocolate chips
8 Medjool dates
1 cup cashews
Method 1: Blend all the ingredients in a blender until everything has broken down completely and the mixture is smooth and thick. Pour into a plastic container and freeze.
Method 2: Blend all the ingredients as in method 1.Pour into an ice cream maker and churn until done.
Fruits could be added to the ice cream instead of the chocolate/cacao for a fruit flavoured ice cream.
Banana Ice Cream
6 bananas
1. Peel and roughly slice the bananas. Place the sliced bananas into a plastic container or bag and freeze until solid.
2. Place the frozen bananas into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Strawberry Ice Lollies
1 cup of strawberries
1 cup fresh pineapple juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons raw agave nectar (Optional)
1. Place all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into lolly moulds and freeze until solid.
© 2013 Claire