Delicious, guilt free, raw chocolate cake recipe!

Raw chocolate cake with mint leaves decoration

I've served this raw chocolate cake many times, and I still have yet to find someone that does not like it. People cannot believe it's raw and gluten free!  

If you love chocolate, try this raw chocolate cake recipe; it is delicious and you can eat it "guilt free": 

Note: some people are weary of cashews...don't be! they are pretty healthy nuts.

Ingredients for bottom layer:

1 Cup pecans or walnuts (your choice but walnuts are normally cheaper)

3 or 4 dates or 2-3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

½ cup raw cacao powder

Pinch of sea salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Ingredients for top layer:

2 cups cashews (soaked for 10 minutes)

½ cup coconut oil (warm it until it turns liquid)

½ cup pure maple syrup

½ cup water

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

¾ cup raw cacao powder

For the bottom layer:

In a food processor, grind the pecans to a flour consistency, being careful not to over-process or the nuts will become oily. Add the dates/maple syrup and pulse until the mixture is combined and crumbly.  Add the raw cacao powder, vanilla extract and sea salt and pulse to combine. The mixture should stick together when pressed between two fingers.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan (or small square pan) and set aside.

For the top layer:

In a food processor, grind the cashew nuts until smooth. Add the maple syrup, water and vanilla extract and pulse to combine. Add the coconut oil and raw cacao powder and pulse to combine. Spoon the mixture onto the brownie base and smooth out with the back of a spoon. Cover the pan with tin foil and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes until set. Cut into squares and serve, or store in the freezer for up to one month. 

There are several variations of this recipe that you can try; for example: preparing just the "top layer" and filling a silicone/flexible ice cube maker with it, or rolling it into little chocolate balls; preparing just the bottom layer and making a "chocolate cookie" then topping it with raw banana ice cream.

Try it, you will love it. I would love to hear about your experience with it!

Alexandra