Raw Vegan Chocolate Cake: A Guilt-Free Indulgence with Cashews and Dates

This raw vegan chocolate cake is a guilt-free indulgence that's perfect for any occasion. Made with a combination of cashews, dates, and cacao powder, it's rich, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make. The best part? It's completely vegan and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it.

The story of this raw vegan chocolate cake begins in the lush, tropical rainforests of the Amazon. It was there that I first encountered the indigenous people who had been using cashews and dates to create sweet treats for centuries. Intrigued by their unique flavors and textures, I began experimenting with ways to create a raw vegan chocolate cake that would capture their essence. After months of trial and error, I finally perfected this recipe. It's a testament to the power of nature's ingredients and the endless possibilities of raw vegan cuisine.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 35 | Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups raw cashews, soaked overnight
• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
• Fresh berries, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with coconut oil and line with parchment paper.
2. Combine soaked cashews, pitted dates, cacao powder, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a food processor.
3. Process until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Transfer half of the batter to the prepared pan and press down firmly to form an even layer.
5. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and dark chocolate evenly over the batter.
6. Top with the remaining batter and smooth out the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring to a serving plate.
9. Garnish with fresh berries before serving.

Why It Works

• The combination of cashews and dates creates a rich, decadent flavor that's perfect for a chocolate cake.
• The cacao powder adds a deep, chocolatey flavor without any added sugar.
• The maple syrup provides a natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• The coconut oil helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the cake a moist, tender texture.
• The vanilla extract and sea salt add a touch of complexity and depth of flavor.