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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Vegan Nutella Brownies

By Erin · October 26, 2015 · Updated May 13, 2020 · 20 Comments

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Oh yeah, we’re doing it. One of my most popular recipes EVER is my Raw Vegan Nutella Cupcakes. I figured, why not make a similar recipe in brownie form? Slightly less messy to make and equally as delicious, these Vegan Nutella Brownies will make you SWOON. 

Vegan Nutella Brownies 9

Yes, swoon.

But first, how was the weekend? Mine was borderline perfect, and by that I mean a mixture of fun and totally lame. After my Saturday barre classes, Miguel and I took Layla on a two hour hike through Frick Park to enjoy the leaves. SO MANY PRETTY LEAVES (and so many squirrels—someone help me), I was in autumn heaven. We then came home, watched House Hunters and took a nap, which I hadn’t done in months. I’m not much of a napper—I probably took a sum total of 10 naps all four years of college—but sometimes they are unknowingly necessary. And THEN, post nap, Miguel and I got ready to SALSAAAAAAA. 

No, not eat salsa (though that wouldn’t have been the worst Saturday night ever)—salsa dance!

Raw Vegan Nutella Brownies 3

Raw Vegan Nutella Brownies | Brownies made with a SECRET HEALTHY ingredient | thealmondeater.com

Miguel and I had salsa-ed before. ….ok maybe like twice, and both times it was for like, five minutes. I was determined to make this time different—we were going to dance the night away! Except we totally didn’t because I got all shy n’ stuff because everyone was SO GOOD. Here’s the thing: the place we went is a salsa dance studio where people can take dance lessons on a regular basis. Then Saturday nights, the studio hosts “salsa night”, where anyone is welcome to come and salsa the night away. I’m going to go ahead and say that at least 75 percent of the people who come to salsa night also take regular dance classes. 

They were so, so good. Miguel suggested that we take dance classes and I said YES and then we both remembered that he’d mentioned that idea two years ago and clearly that never happened. Perhaps it shall be a goal for 2016. Being able to salsa would definitely make me cooler. I mean, right? It’s like those people who are oh-so casual about being amazing—you could be friends with them for MONTHS and then one day, out of the blue, they’re like oh yeah I’m in a band and I play drums and I can kind of sing too. And you’re like, A) STFU I hate you and B) that’s so awesome. I could be that person but with salsa dancing. 

Raw Vegan Nutella Brownies 13

I’m kidding. I know myself well enough to know that I will never be that person. I can always pretend though. 

Ok so, these brownies/bars. They’re made from hazelnuts, dates and cacao and then topped with a chocolate “icing” made from mashed avocado and cacao. My #1 tip is to mash the avocado really well. Otherwise you will have little avocado chunks throughout, and no one wants avo chunks in their icing. 

Other than that, I hope you make these and love ‘em just as much as I did/still do!

Vegan Nutella Brownies

These vegan Nutella Brownies will make you SWOON! They're made with hazelnuts, cocoa, dates, and avocado--you'll never know they're healthy.
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 9 or 16
Author: Erin

Ingredients

  • For the brownie:
  • 1 ½ cup hazelnuts
  • ½ cup cacao*
  • 2 ½ cup pitted dates
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • For the "icing":
  • 1 avocado
  • ¼ cup cacao*
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoon hazelnuts crushed, for topping

Instructions

  • Place hazelnuts and dates in food processor and pulse for at least 30 seconds so that they are mixed well.
  • Add in cacao, syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon; pulse.
  • Spray an 8x8 pan with nonstick spray, or cover with coconut oil, and then pour brownie "batter" into pan and use a spatula to smooth everything out.
  • Place pan in freezer; allowing it to set.
  • While brownies are setting, create icing.
  • Mash avocado with a fork--make sure to mash REALLY well so that mixture is smooth.
  • Add in cacao, syrup and oil and use an electric mixer to combine everything; stir until smooth.
  • Pour icing overtop of brownies, using a spatula to smooth everything out and place back in freezer for approximately 5 minutes before cutting into brownies.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

*Can also sub for unsweetened cocoa powder.
Did you Make this Recipe? Tag me Today!Leave a comment below and tag @thealmondeater on Instagram!

 

Q: Do you have a secret talent (i.e. can you sing/dance/hold a handstand for 22 mins straight?) My actual secret talent is that I can make my stomach growl. I know, it’s weird. 

Vegan Nutella Brownies | Brownies with a secret ingredient that taste like Nutella

« Sweet Potato Hummus
Chocolate Chip Pecan Mug Cake »

About Erin

Erin is the recipe developer, writer and photographer behind the healthy food blog, The Almond Eater. She's been blogging since 2014 and loves to create food for many different diets, including vegan, gluten free and/or Whole30 recipes.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ash says

    February 14, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    Do these have to stay in fridge or do they go to fridge once cut ? Also how long does it last ?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      February 15, 2017 at 6:33 am

      They are best kept in the refrigerator, yes and I'm guessing they last 3-4 days (I wouldn't know because I ate them so quickly!). Let me know if you try them!

      Reply
  2. Arjun says

    October 08, 2016 at 3:39 am

    I didn't know Nutella was vegan

    Reply
    • Erin says

      October 09, 2016 at 9:11 am

      This Nutella is just made with hazelnuts and cacao, so yes it's vegan.

      Reply
  3. dani says

    December 01, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    5 stars
    sorry to ask, I'm completely new at this vegan thing, so I wanted to ask you, I've seen a lot of people use different (and "weird"?) ingredients for desserts. Here, avocado. Why's that? I'm guessing the texture perhaps? But how will I not taste the avocado? At least a bit??? Thank you!

    Reply
  4. Trisha @ foodieawareness says

    November 03, 2015 at 5:04 am

    Wow! These brownies sound amaaaaazing! Definitely going to try this recipe 🙂

    Reply
  5. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    October 27, 2015 at 1:01 am

    Okay these bronwies are like, WHOA. Forget Halloween candy, I'll take ten of these in my trick-or-treat bag, please!

    And you two should totally take lessons and then bust out some salsa moves at your wedding. That would be so amazing!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      October 27, 2015 at 7:48 am

      Hahah Miguel has already mentioned that idea and, while I do agree it'd be pretty badass, I'm still on the fence about the idea.

      Reply
  6. Jess @hellotofit says

    October 26, 2015 at 6:43 pm

    Dates are SUCH a nice ingredient to add to just about any dessert 🙂 looks so good, Erin!!

    Reply
  7. Liora- Althingsloveli says

    October 26, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    These look incredible! The hazelnuts look amazing... definitely have to try these. You're right... totally swooning right now!

    Reply
  8. Shashi at RunninSrilankan says

    October 26, 2015 at 3:18 pm

    Haha - I;m thinking YOU already are THAT person who downplays their awesomeness - I mean - get a whiff of these brownies! They are fantastic - and they are vegan??? STFU!!! SO AWESOME!!!!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      October 27, 2015 at 7:44 am

      Haha! Bawwwwww thanks

      Reply
  9. Rachel @ athletic avocado says

    October 26, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    As if brownies were already incredible, you took it way up a notch with healthy nutella brownies! Im surprised that healthy, vegan and nutella are all describing words for the same recipe lol!

    Reply
  10. Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says

    October 26, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    5 stars
    Stick some of these in the freezer for me, okay? I don't have any hidden talents, except I'm really good at trivia. Is that a talent? You and Miguel should take salsa lessons in preparation for your wedding... and like have your first dance be a salsa dance. You can thank me for that idea later.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      October 27, 2015 at 7:44 am

      Um yes that is a talent. And LOL don't think Miguel hasn't already thought of that idea. ... it's not happening.

      Reply
  11. Dani @ Dani California Cooks says

    October 26, 2015 at 11:42 am

    The texture of these look AWESOME. Wow. Nice job! Nate has been asking me to stop buying him ice cream for dessert and only have "healthy" desserts around - lol. I should try making these at home because the vegan/paleo macaroons I bought from WFM were crazy expensive.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      October 27, 2015 at 7:43 am

      Hahha! I bet he would love these 🙂

      Reply
  12. Rachel Pattison says

    October 26, 2015 at 10:40 am

    These look so rich and fudgey! YUM!

    Reply
  13. Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food says

    October 26, 2015 at 8:31 am

    I wish I were one of those cool people who knew how to salsa dance too! I've always wanted to learn. These brownies look delish btw!

    Reply
  14. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    October 26, 2015 at 7:52 am

    Drool!! Love hazelnuts...and obviously anything chocolate....don't even need words!

    Reply

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