Craving a decadent Valentine’s Day treat that’s both romantic and surprisingly healthy? Imagine rich, fudgy brownies infused with the bright tang of raspberries, all topped with a luscious truffle layer. This isn’t just any dessert; we’re talking about a guilt-free indulgence that will impress your loved ones (and yourself!).
Get ready to discover the secrets to the ultimate raspberry truffle brownies recipe, including options for easy raspberry truffle brownies and even bite-sized chocolate raspberry brownie bites. Whether you’re a fan of Chef AJ’s Outrageous brownies recipe, exploring carob brownies no sugar, or seeking delicious plant-based brownies, this article has you covered. Keep reading to unlock the secrets to a truly unforgettable Valentine’s Day dessert.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Serving size: 12-16 brownies
Estimated Cost (US Market): $15-20 (depending on ingredient prices in your area)
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup pitted dates, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
For the Truffle Layer:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes (or overnight)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup fresh raspberries, for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Drain the soaked dates and combine them in a food processor with the applesauce, cocoa powder, almond flour, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Process until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the raspberries.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with 1 just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely 2 in the pan before adding the truffle layer.
Step 3: Make the Truffle Layer
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Combine them in a food processor with the cocoa powder, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Process until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Brownies
Spread the truffle layer evenly over the cooled brownies. You can swirl some of the truffle into the brownie layer for a marbled effect if desired. If you’d like to make chocolate raspberry brownie bites, cut the brownies into smaller squares before adding the truffle topping.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the brownies with fresh raspberries, if desired. For the easy raspberry truffle brownies version, simply skip the garnish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the truffle layer to set. Cut into squares and serve. These plant-based brownies are a perfect, romantic dessert. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage: Leftover vegan raspberry truffle brownies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is important because the truffle layer, due to the cashews, can soften at room temperature.
Stored properly in the refrigerator, these brownies will last for up to 5 days. The flavor and texture are generally best within the first 3-4 days.
Reheating: These brownies are generally best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer brownie:
- Microwave: Microwave individual brownies for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them dry.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 200°F or 90°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and warm for 5-10 minutes. This method is slower but can help maintain a better texture.
Important Note: The truffle layer may soften slightly if reheated, especially in the microwave. If you’re serving them to guests, it’s generally best to serve them chilled or at room temperature for the best presentation and texture.
Nutrition Facts
It’s important to understand that providing precise nutritional information for a recipe like this is difficult. The nutritional content will vary based on the specific brands and measurements of ingredients used. Online nutrition calculators can give you a general estimate if you input all the ingredients you used, but it won’t be perfectly accurate. Also, keep in mind that nutritional values are estimates, and can vary based on factors like ingredient variations and portion sizes.
However, I can give you a sample table with estimated values. Do not rely on this for medical or dietary purposes. It’s best to use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients you used for a more accurate result.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Brownie – approximately 1/12th of the recipe):
| Nutrient | Amount (Approximate) | % Daily Value* (Approximate) |
| Calories | 250-350 kcal | 13-18% |
| Total Fat | 15-20 g | 23-31% |
| Saturated Fat | 8-12 g | 40-60% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 50-100 mg | 2-4% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25-35 g | 8-12% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5-8 g | 20-32% |
| Total Sugars | 15-20 g | N/A |
| Added Sugars | 0-5 g | 0-10% |
| Protein | 5-8 g | 10-16% |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 20-40 mg | 2-4% |
| Iron | 1-2 mg | 6-11% |
| Potassium | 100-200 mg | 3-6% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Important Considerations:
- Variations: The values above are estimates. Using different brands of ingredients, changing the quantities, or adding other ingredients will change the nutritional content.
- Sugar: While this recipe is designed to be lower in added sugar, the dates and maple syrup contribute natural sugars.
- Fat: The fat content comes primarily from coconut oil and cashews, which are generally considered healthy fats. However, it’s still important to consume them in moderation.
- Allergens: This recipe contains nuts (cashews, almonds). Be mindful of any allergies.
Recommendation: For the most accurate nutritional information, I strongly recommend using a reputable online nutrition calculator and inputting the exact ingredients and quantities you used in your recipe. This will give you a much more personalized and helpful result.
Dietary Information
This recipe is:
- Vegan: It contains no animal products.
- Plant-Based: It relies on whole plant foods.
- Gluten-Free (Likely): As written, this recipe does not contain gluten. However, it’s crucial to ensure that all ingredients you use are certified gluten-free, especially the cocoa powder and any other processed ingredients, as cross-contamination can occur. Always double-check labels.
- Dairy-Free: It contains no dairy products.
- Egg-Free: It contains no eggs.
Important Note about Keto: This recipe is not keto-friendly due to the high carbohydrate content from the dates and maple syrup. Keto diets are very low in carbohydrates.
History of Raspberry Truffle Brownies
The exact origins of this specific vegan raspberry truffle brownie recipe are difficult to pinpoint, as it’s likely an adaptation of various brownie and truffle recipes. Vegan baking has become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to creative substitutions for traditional ingredients like eggs and dairy.
This recipe likely draws inspiration from classic chocolate brownie recipes and vegan truffle recipes, combining them with the bright flavor of raspberries. The use of dates for sweetness and cashews for the truffle filling reflects common practices in plant-based desserts.
Final Thoughts
These vegan raspberry truffle brownies offer a delightful and guilt-free way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. The rich, fudgy texture combined with the bright raspberry flavor and creamy truffle topping makes for an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re following a plant-based diet or simply looking for a healthier treat, these brownies are sure to impress. Enjoy sharing these decadent squares with loved ones and savoring every delicious bite.
