The Conversation
Have you ventured into the realm of raw food yet? It might sound like a scary place, but if you take a closer look, you’ll find lasagna made out of zucchini, “cheese” made out of nuts and cold soup galore. It can be a delicious adventure, especially on the sweeter side of things. Raw desserts are a completely guilt-free treat. Not only are most of them gluten- and dairy-free, but they’re packed with fresh ingredients. So if you’re feeling inspired by all that beautiful produce that’s popping up at your local farmers market, check out these 29 amazing recipes and prepare to be blown away.
1. Buster Bar Dessert: With ingredients like avocado, peanut butter and banana, this creamy dessert is sure to wow even the most cynical. (via Damy Health)
2. Mango Cheesecake With Hazelnut Crust and Crumble: This cheesecake calls for frozen mangos so you can make it any time of the year. The hazelnut crust and crumble adds some extra flavor and texture to the coconut and mango filling. (via Flip Flops and Avocados)
3. Salted Chocolate Pecan Pie Brownies: Aside from pre-soaking the dates, the prep time for these divine bars is only 10 minutes. With three decadent layers of salted chocolate, sweet pecan filling and rich chocolate brownie, it’s pure indulgence. (via Damy Health)
4. Berry Tarts: The secret ingredient for that pretty pink color? A pinch of beet powder! Thanks to fresh berries and a coconut pistachio crust, you have a very tasty tart on your hands. (via Olives For Dinner)
5. Chocolate Banana Pie With Coconut Whipped Cream: The raw version of whipped cream usually involves coconut milk, because it’s thick and creamy. Don’t think of it as a downgrade from “real” whipped cream. Coconut adds some amazing depth to your desserts, especially chocolate banana pie. (via This Rawsome Vegan Life)
6. Single Serving Blueberry Pies: Aside from being a helpful portion-controlled size, little pies are just downright adorable as elegant party desserts or special treats for an after school snack. (via Damy Health)
7. Raspberry Cashew Cake With Cherry Topping: Open wide for a heavenly “cheesecake” made with cashews and a gorgeous chocolate cherry topping. (via Flip Flops and Avocados)
8. Orange Creamsicle Tarts: Light and fresh, Creamsicle tarts are a lovely spring dessert option when made with Greek yogurt and topped with a dollop of coconut whipped cream. (via Damy Health)
9. Double Layer Chocolate Fudge With Cocoa Nibs: This rich fudge is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with a layer of chocolate ganache and cocoa nibs for extra crunch. (via Gourmande in the Kitchen)
10. Lime Mousse Pie: Containing no artificial sweeteners, colors or chemicals, this all natural pie gets its gorgeous color and smooth texture from creamy avocados. (via Damy Health)
11. Banana Coconut Cashew Cake: Nutty, moist and delicious — this pie will have you hooked with your first bite. (via Flip Flops And Avocados)
12. Lemon Bars With Coconut: Lemon and coconut are a terrific flavor combo. The coconut works as a great natural sweetener for these tasty bars. (via This Rawsome Vegan Life)
13. Chocolate Cream Caramel Bars: These dangerously addictive little treats are layered with an almond crust, raw caramel and creamy chocolate. (via This Rawsome Vegan Life)
14. Fig, Cherry, Lavender and Honey Cake: Honey cake says spring like no other dessert. With bits of lavender flowers throughout, not only is it beautiful but healthy. Figs help with blood pressure, and cherries improve sleep quality. (via Ascension Kitchen)
15. Minty Chocolate Cream Bars: The base is an oat date crust, the middle is creamy chocolate and the top is an avocado-mint mixture that makes for one exquisite dessert. (via This Rawsome Vegan Life)
16. Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Cookies: It’s fun to recreate familiar treats into raw versions. Who doesn’t get excited about a healthy Oreo or Snickers treat? (via Ascension Kitchen)
17. Chocolate Caramel Tart With Orange and Sea Salt: This dark chocolate tart has a sneaky layer of caramel inside and is topped off with fresh, tangy orange zest. (via This Rawsome Vegan Life)
18. Strawberry Cheesecake: For a fun mini treat that’s easy to share, try making cheesecake in a muffin tin. (via Lexie’s Kitchen)
19. Chocolate “Creme Brulee” Pudding: You know that classic Jell-O chocolate pudding that we all loved as kids? Well, here is an option that tastes just as good, is ridiculously easy to make and is uber good for you! (via This Rawsome Vegan Life)
20. Almond Joy Balls: Just keep repeating, “These are healthy, these are healthy, these are… ” as you stuff mock Almond Joy truffles down your gullet. (via Top with Cinnamon)
21. Raw Snickers Candy Bars: Hello, indulgence! These gooey, chocolatey candy bars will leave you feeling pleased. (via This Rawsome Vegan Life)
22. Vegan Tiramisu With Vanilla Cream and Coffee Ladyfingers: How is it possible that simple raw ingredients like nuts and fruits can produce a dessert this beautiful and delicious? (via This Rawsome Vegan Life)
23. Nanaimo Bar: In case you don’t know, a nanaimo bar has three layers: a chocolate nut crust, a minty custard middle and a fudgy chocolate top. This bar has it all except for that pesky white flour, white sugar and white pudding. (via Wholehearted Eats)
24. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars With Hot Fudge: Finally an amazing raw cookie dough that you can let your kids eat (okay, we know you want it too). Eat it out of the bowl or press it into bars, put it in the freezer and eat it later covered in warm vegan fudge sauce. (via Averie Cooks)
25. Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream Cake: As delicious as it is, dairy is one of the culprits that causes bad skin. So imagine how your face will be glowing when you start enjoying decadent chocolate ice cream cake made only with coconut and cashews. (via Ascension Kitchen)
26. Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting: This cake is moist and spicy and full of all the nutrients you lose when you bake a normal carrot cake. (via Will Bake For Books)
27. Healthy Brownie Bites: Supremely rich and fudgy, you’ll never miss cake pops again after giving this recipe a try. They’re made with cashews, which are softer and creamier than other nuts. Basically, they’re Mother Nature’s butter. (via Averie Cooks)
28. Blueberry Strawberry Banana Ice Cream Cake: Full of fruity spring flavors, this cake is creamy, sweet, fresh, tart and colorful all at once. (via This Rawsome Vegan Life)
29. Chocolate Fudge Fridge Cake: This is a truly death-by-chocolate cake that whips up in a matter of minutes, then sets in the fridge and is made even more delicious with raspberries and almonds. (via Gourmande In The Kitchen)
Do any of these recipes inspire you to get your raw on? Let us know in the comments below!
Kate Thorn is an illustrator, foodie, photographer, and blogger at Create & Kate. She loves creating art, traveling, and all things chocolate. A native to the Great Northwest, she is currently living in London and pretending to be a mature grad student.