Raw choc hemp seed brownies

Hemp seeds are the new superfood, and what better way to use its creamy texture and mild flavour than in these raw chocolate brownies!

Raw choc hemp seed brownies Credit: Bondi Harvest

• makes

  10

• prep

  10 minutes

• cook

  5 minutes

• difficulty

  Easy

Ingredients

• 270 g (9. oz/1½ cups) medjool dates, pitted
• 90 ml (3 fl oz) spiced rum
• 80 g (2½ oz/⅓ cup) hemp seeds
• 100 g (3½ oz/1 cup) almond meal
• 50 g (1¾ oz/¼ cup) 100% raw cacao powder
• 1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped
• finely grated zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp chopped macadamias
• 2 tbsp cocoa nibs

Topping

• 125 ml (4 fl oz/½ cup) coconut oil
• ½ tsp finely chopped lavender leaves
• 50 g (1¾ oz/¼ cup) 100% raw cacao powder
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp bee pollen (optional)
• 5 lavender flowers or rose petals (optional)

Soaking time: 10 minutes

Chilling time: 2 hours

Instructions

Line a 20 cm (8 inch) square cake tin with baking paper. Soak the dates in the spiced rum for at least 10 minutes, then place into a food processor with the hemp seeds and process until puréed and combined.

Add the almond meal, cacao, vanilla seeds and lemon zest. Process until combined and sticky. Transfer to a bowl and fold through the macadamias and cocoa nibs. Spoon into the prepared tin and smooth the surface. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm, or place into the freezer for 15 minutes if you're short on time.

To make the topping, gently heat the coconut oil with the lavender in a saucepan, then remove from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes to infuse. Sift in cacao powder then add the maple syrup and mix until combined and smooth.

Pour the topping onto the brownie slab and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Cut into squares to serve. Garnish with a sprinkle of bee pollen and some fresh lavender flowers or rose petals, if using.

Cook's Notes

Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C. | We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. | All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed. | All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified. | All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.