Ever have one of those days when everything that happens to you makes you wanna throw something? Somehow those are the days when you have a considerably longer to-do list, nothing is working out, and nobody is willing to do you a favor (grrrrr). So then you really wish Superman would come in and do the dishes for you (or Thor, or Captain America...take your pick!). These days have been happening a lot more frequently to me lately. 

So I may have made these raw chocolate raspberry brownie bars more than a few times this week to make me feel better. You know, since Superman couldn’t make it.

A few years ago, I would have asked a doctor for a prescription drug to help me focus on the task I had to get done, or to help me cope with the stress of it all. Nowadays, I use food as my medicine.

Instead of taking a pill for my problems, I think of what food (that may or not be a delicious dessert) could help my body do this naturally? 

Raw chocolate raspberry brownie bars help with my energy and stress levels naturally. As well as giving me the mental awareness to stay focused.

These raw chocolate raspberry brownie bars are bursting with ultra-rich chocolate flavor. With a chocolate base and a chocolate frosting, these brownie bars will satisfy your inner chocoholic! A sweet, tangy, and creamy raspberry filling gives these bars an extra boost of delicious flavor and nutrition. 

Waiting for these bars to chill may seem like mission impossible, but it’s so worth the wait. And you can always lick the spoon! You could also layer it into 4-6 ramekins for mess free eating or for a fancy dinner party dessert. 

Apart from how dreamy these brownie bars are, they are also super healthy! Raspberries have a lot more to offer than a great taste. They can offer aid with weight loss, help to maintain healthy and glowing skin, and support a strong immune system. 

The almonds in this recipe contain many of the nutrients that are essential to healthy brain function. They also contain cholesterol lowering properties and protect against diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Even the chocolate is healthy for you! They can help fight cancer, control blood pressure, and offer dietary fiber. Guilt free chocolate my friends. You’re welcome. ;) 

For the bottom layer you will need raw almonds, cacao powder, melted coconut oil, and pitted dates.

Put all that good stuff in a food processor and process it until it comes together. What you’re looking for is the nuts to be chopped and for the entire mixture to be moistened by the obliterated dates. This will take 3-4 minutes depending on your food processor so be patient.

Line an 8x8 baking dish with saran wrap or parchment/wax paper. Dump the mixture into the bottom and press it flat with the bottom of a measuring cup, drinking glass, or just your fingers.

For the middle layer you will need red raspberries, raw cashews, shredded coconut, coconut oil, and pure maple syrup.

Dump all of those ingredients into a food processor, and pulse….

until the raspberries are completely smooth and the nuts have been chopped. This took my food processor about 2 minutes.

Spread the raspberry filling over the bottom layer.

For the top layer you will need melted cacao butter, cacao powder, and pure maple syrup.

Process the ingredients until smooth. This will only take a few pulses.

If you wait a minute before spreading this top layer, it will thicken up and be to difficult to spread. So simply use a fork and beat it until it's soft enough to spread. 

Pop this bad boy in the freezer to set for about an hour.

Then remove it from the pan by pulling out the lining, and 

Once set, cut it into 16 pieces and enjoy yourself a little chunk of heaven. You deserve it. Superman says so.

Raw Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bars 

Ingredients:

Bottom Layer

• 1 cup raw almonds (macadamia or cashew will work well too)

• ⅓ cup cacao powder

• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil

• 12 pitted dates

Filling Layer

• 2 cups raspberries

• ⅔ cup raw cashews

• 4 tablespoons shredded coconut

• 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup 

Top Layer

• ½ cup cacao powder

• ½ cup cacao butter, melted

• ¼ cup maple syrup

Directions:

For the bottom layer, pulse all ingredients in a food processor 3-4 minutes. Press into the bottom of a lined 8x8 baking dish.

For the filling layer, puree all ingredients until smooth. Spread over the bottom layer in the baking dish.

For the top layer, pulse the ingredients a few times until it comes together as frosting. Spread gently over the middle layer. 

Let the brownie bars set in the freezer for one hour before cutting and serving.