Delicious & Nutritious: Crafting Perfect Raw Hemp Chocolate Chunk Blondies
Sometimes, the most straightforward names perfectly describe a dish, even if they aren’t the catchiest. “Raw Hemp Chocolate Chunk Blondies” might be a mouthful, but it tells you exactly what to expect: incredibly rich, satisfying date bars packed with nutrient-dense hemp seeds and luscious chocolate chunks. These aren’t just any snack; they are a wholesome, no-bake treat that rivals popular store-bought energy bars like RX bars or Larabars, but with a homemade touch and an extra burst of flavor and texture. This fantastic recipe, originally from Heather Pace of Sweetly Raw, has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I’m thrilled to share my slightly varied version with you. Heather, thank you for this incredible foundation!
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Enhancing Your Kitchen Workflow: A Food Processor Hack for Quiet Prep
My love for this recipe has grown even deeper since I discovered a simple yet revolutionary kitchen gadget: a remote control outlet for my food processor. While it might seem like a small detail, for anyone dealing with noise sensitivities like reactive tinnitus, it’s a game-changer. Reactive tinnitus means everyday noises can cause a sudden, uncomfortable spike in tinnitus volume. Operating a powerful food processor, especially when grinding tough ingredients like almonds and cashews, can be particularly challenging.
This ingenious remote outlet allows me to set up my food processor, load in the ingredients, and then activate it from another room, effectively mitigating direct noise exposure. This simple hack has truly been a godsend, transforming what used to be a somewhat stressful part of the baking process into a serene experience. Now, I can grind nuts and dates to my heart’s content without apprehension, ensuring the perfect base for these raw blondies. Beyond personal comfort, this tip offers a broader benefit for anyone seeking a quieter kitchen. Imagine being able to prep ingredients for your favorite dishes, including these delightful blondies, without disturbing sleeping children, pets, or even just your own peace. It’s a small investment that yields significant dividends in kitchen tranquility and efficiency, making raw food preparation even more accessible and enjoyable.
Perfecting Your Raw Hemp Chocolate Chunk Blondies: Tips and Variations
One of the beauties of raw, no-bake recipes like these Hemp Chocolate Chunk Blondies is their inherent flexibility. While the original recipe from Sweetly Raw Desserts yields a certain look and texture, my homemade batches often appear a bit darker and softer. This isn’t a flaw, but rather a testament to the natural variations in ingredients and personal touch. The color of your dates, for example, can significantly impact the final hue. Medjool dates, which are often sweeter and darker, will naturally produce a richer, deeper brown blondie compared to lighter varieties.
Similarly, the amount of shredded coconut can influence both texture and color. Since coconut is one ingredient I sometimes measure by eye rather than by weight, slight variations can occur. A little less coconut might lead to a softer, denser bar, while a bit more can add a lighter texture and a more pronounced coconut flavor. Regardless of these minor aesthetic differences, the core appeal remains: these bars are incredibly tasty and packed with nutrition. They deliver a substantial boost of energy and essential nutrients in every bite, echoing the wholesome goodness of popular dried fruit and nut bars but with the irresistible addition of dark chocolate chunks. Think of them as an elevated, homemade version of your favorite healthy snack, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without compromising on nutritional value. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the type of chocolate (milk, white, or even dairy-free) or add other mix-ins like dried fruit or different nuts to truly make these blondies your own.
The Powerhouse Ingredient: Unlocking the Benefits and Versatility of Hemp Seeds
If you’re new to the world of hemp seeds, these Raw Hemp Chocolate Chunk Blondies offer the perfect introduction. Often called “hemp hearts,” these tiny nutritional powerhouses are derived from the hemp plant, but contain only trace amounts of THC, making them perfectly legal and non-psychoactive. What they lack in psychoactive properties, they more than make up for in health benefits and culinary versatility. Hemp seeds are celebrated for their exceptional nutritional profile, boasting a complete protein content, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health. This makes them an excellent protein source for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to boost their protein intake naturally.
Beyond protein, hemp seeds are an incredible source of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in an ideal ratio for optimal human health. These essential fatty acids are crucial for brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation. They also offer a good dose of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety, as well as essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc. Their mild, nutty flavor and soft, chewy texture make them remarkably adaptable in the kitchen. You can sprinkle them on virtually anything you’d sprinkle flax or chia seeds on – think morning oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, smoothies, salads, soups, or even avocado toast. They add a delicate crunch and a boost of nutrients to any dish. For those eager to explore more ways to incorporate this superfood into their diet, websites like Manitoba Harvest offer a fantastic collection of recipes, showcasing the endless possibilities, from savory dishes to baked goods and refreshing drinks. Embracing hemp seeds in your cooking is an easy and delicious way to elevate the nutritional value of your meals.
- Oat, Flax & Hemp Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Hemp Protein Powder Bread
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Brownies with Chocolate Ganache
- Walnut Chocolate Chip Banana Blondies
- Toasted Pecan Date Bread
Raw Hemp Chocolate Chunk Blondies Recipe
Raw Hemp Chocolate Chunk Blondies
Anna
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Ingredients
These wholesome blondies come together with just a few simple, natural ingredients. Make sure your dates are soft and pitted for the best texture!
- ⅔ cup slivered almonds (86 grams)
- ⅔ cup shredded coconut (54 grams)
- 1 cup cashews, raw unsalted (140 grams)
- 1 cup dates (180 grams – preferably soft Medjool dates)
- ⅓ cup hemp seeds (40 grams, hemp hearts)
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon water (or more, if needed for blending)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (to enhance flavors)
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate, cut into chunks (I used less, adjust to your preference!) (260 grams, roughly chopped)
Instructions
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Prepare your pan: Begin by lining an 8-inch square pan with nonstick foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it significantly easier to lift the blondies out once they’ve chilled.
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Process the dry ingredients: In a sturdy food processor or a high-powered blender, combine the slivered almonds and shredded coconut. Process them until they form a fine, flour-like consistency. Next, add the raw unsalted cashews and pulse briefly, just until they are coarsely chopped, creating a delightful texture base.
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Add wet ingredients and blend: Now, introduce the pitted dates (ensure they are soft and moist for optimal blending), hemp seeds, vanilla extract, water, and salt to the food processor. Continue to process the mixture. You’ll need to scrape down the sides occasionally. Blend until the dates are completely broken down and the mixture comes together into a cohesive, somewhat sticky dough. If the mixture seems too dry, add an additional teaspoon of water at a time until it forms a ball.
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Fold in chocolate and press: Transfer the blended dough to a medium-sized bowl. Gently fold in your dark chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. Once combined, press the dough firmly and evenly into your prepared 8-inch square pan. Ensure it’s tightly packed and smooth on top.
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Chill and serve: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This crucial step allows the blondies to firm up properly, making them easy to slice without crumbling. Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 16 to 20 uniform bars. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy your healthy, no-bake treat!