Raw Hemp Brownie Recipe [High protein]

I have been really into hemp lately.

(For cooking, that is!)

A few months ago I ordered some hemp protein powder to experiment with adding extra protein to my smoothies–I’ve been weightlifting more and more lately, and want to give my muscles the best possible chance to grow!

(Side note: a vegan diet does provide more than enough protein on its own without additions of protein powder. I’m just trying this for the potential gainz 😉 )

And something crazy happened: I actually enjoyed the taste of it in my smoothies. I’ve never liked a protein powder before. But I love how hemp actually has a nice earthy flavor, almost like avocado or something. And then the addiction began: I picked up hemp seeds too. (Because who doesn’t want more omega-3?)

So I started trying to find ways to incorporate hemp seeds & protein powder into more and more things. And I’ve been loving raw desserts in this heat lately and was craving chocolate (more than usual!)….

And voila, hemp brownies were born!

My favorite hempy concoction thus far. I’ve made them at least 10 times in the last 3 months–the only other things I make that much are my favorite salad (which I will post someday, I promise) and my favorite smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 1 heaping cup pitted medjool dates
• 1/3c hulled hemp seeds (I use these)
• 3 tbsp almond butter
• 6 tbsp unsweetened hemp protein powder (I use this kind)
• 2.5 tbsp cocoa (or cacao)
• 2 tbsp water (or more, until they stick together like dough but aren’t wet)
• 2 tbsp almonds (optional)

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients except almonds to food processor, and pulse until smooth.
2. If you want some crunch, add almonds and pulse until they’re broken down to your desired size (like 1/5 of an almond for me). Add more water if needed to get them to a doughy texture.
3. Press into a pan and refrigerate for 3+ hours.
4. Cut and serve! (They’d also be good in bliss ball shape)