I know what you’re thinking, “nearly raw, how can you be nearly raw?” Said in a tone similar to Hermione Granger upon meeting Nearly Headless Nick. Aside from a couple ingredients in this recipe everything is raw, thus “nearly” raw.
Just roll with it.
Christmas has come and gone, which means it’s time for the next seasonal coffee at Starbucks. Casi Cielo is back (available to the public soon) and this meant a coffee tasting was in order. A smooth, single origin coffee with notes of lemon and cocoa.
I paired this with a creamy, chocolate bar made from dates, bananas, and almonds. Naturally sweetened with honey and maple, & topped with ground coffee of course.
Chocolate Banana Coffee Squares
Ingredients
- 12 medium sized medjool dates
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate salted almonds <—definitely not raw
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts
- 2 medium sized ripe bananas, the spottier the better
- 1/4 cup raw almond butter
- 1.5 tblsp raw honey
- 1.5 tblsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 tblsp fresh UNbreweed ground coffee beans ( I suggest a coffee with natural cocoa notes, but if you don’t care use whatever. I used Starbucks Ethiopia beans)
- pinch of lemon zest (optional)
Directions
First: Soak your dates in warm water for about 30 minutes. Once soaked, add dates into a high speed blender (or food processor) along with chocolate salted almonds, and walnuts. Blend or mix until well combined and then pour into a medium sized pan, about 8 x 6 in. Spread date mix evenly into the pan.
Second: Blend your bananas into a mash, and then add almond butter, honey, maple syrup, and cocoa powder. Blend until well combined. Pour this mix onto the evenly spread date mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle coffee grounds over the top and swirl into the mix until no dry particles are visible. Or you can blend this in before pouring.
Once everything is combined place into freezer to set. Freeze time may vary, and I left mine to set overnight. These are very creamy and need to stay in the freezer when not being consumed. Eating the entire pan can help prevent melting.
I decided not only did these squares need a dust of lemon zest, they needed ice cream, and an affogato shot. I needed an adult ice cream sundae.
Tasting Notes: The cocoa matched perfectly, and the lemon zest on top complemented the lemon notes within the beans. I was surprised by how the flavors in the coffee really brought out the banana flavor of the bars. Next time I think I’ll try this pairing without the bananas because although delicious, the banana flavor was a bit strong for this specific coffee tasting. I still ate a handful with a side of coffee.
A perfect way to end the Christmas season.
Q: What’s your favorite “raw” recipe?
Blissfulbritt 
41 thoughts on ““Nearly Raw” – Chocolate Banana Coffee Squares”
nearlywes
Looks great 😀
hellotofit
Oh. My gosh. That adult ice cream sundae! Great recipe, Brittany! I’ve never made a bar like this before…definitely going to add this to my to-make list. YUM!!
paleovirtus
Nice!
I think I’m developing a medjool dependency of some type or other.
I made a large plate of pecan stuffed medjools for Christmas for the extended family, and to my eternal shame ate them all myself… 😀
Brittany
NO shame!! I have become quite addicted to medjools myself.
Anthony
Once again, you’ve made me hungry. Fortunately for you (and me), I am heading off to a late family Christmas celebration where there should be some treats–so I won’t hold it against you.
Thanks for sharing.
Lety C
Raw enough for me!! Sounds realy good! 😉
Amy
I love your HP reference. Hermione always had the best lines (and tones)! Seriously adore those books… I’d read the entire book the same day it came out. Best way to spend a summer day!
Jane
Oh my, this looks sooooo yummy and indulgent! I’ve just shared the recipe with my daughter as she is the chef in the house (I am pathetic!) We are gluten intolerant so it’s nice to see a recipe that we can use. What a treat! I haven’t had breakfast yet, so I’m now starving after drooling over this. Thanks! 🙂
Aja
That looks really good. I’ll have to try that. I don’t have any “raw” recipes. 😦
Pamplemousse
I like your style😊 nearly raw is definitely something i can roll with. My favorite raw recipe? Most of my homemade ones 😉
Matt @ Runner Savvy
Yummmm
RunCrissieRun
what’s funny, is I read the title, and totally thought of Hermione 🙂
Brittany
HA! I love that.
Ellie
I love raw cookies. Just dates, walnuts and almond butter. Mix in whatever you want and enjoy. My food processor has SAVED MY LIFE! The other raw thing I love is yonanas!
kamillej2014
Raw Chocolate Torte. With Coffee. Good coffee.
Thanks for sharing:)
Crystal M. Trulove
This looks incredible and the photos are perfect! I could totally hear Hermione’s voice in my mind, “Nearly headless?”
CookItSlim.com
Looks so good! 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
“Eating the entire pan can help prevent melting.” <– Bahahha! 😆 I like the way you think. And I like these squares even more. Hooooooooly deliciousness.
Amanda Afield
I must make these!! They look epic!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Looks soooo tasty! And of course, I loved the Harry Potter reference. Of course.
ingrid
Love, Love, Love this recipe … I will try it in a few days !!!!
An Unrefined Vegan
Nearly raw works for me! Especially when chocolate is involved. You took an already awesome dessert over the top with the lemon, ice cream AND coffee!!
P
Ohmhhhhhhmmmmmyyyy! These look sooo good! Like fudge 😀
GiGi Eats Celebrities
You don’t wanna know what my favorite raw “recipe” is…..
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I love the idea of an adult ice cream sundae. It sounds practically naughty, especially when paired with raw notes. 😉
The Vegan 8
2 words I love…coffee and squares! I really, really wished I liked bananas. 😦 These are so gorgeous though and I love that you added salted chocolate almonds..omg, we just bought some of those and they are WAY too addicting!!!
Oh and LMAO at Gigi’s comment!!
Brittany
That Gigi loves her raw foods. She’s outta control. BAHAAA. Like I am with those almonds..UGHHH.
SY
That looks really good….I may have to give it a try….
apartmentwife
chocolate banana is my favorite combo of all time, ever ever.
Shawna
mmmmmmmmmmmm.
charissarunning
That looks divine…simply divine…
And you’re killing me with the Harry Potter quote… it makes my day 😀
50statecanuck
My mouth is watering looking at it…I just need to find someone to make it for me! LOL!
allieksmith
I love when you do these pairings! I am going to be on the lookout for the new Bux coffee! When will it come out?!
Brittany
January! 🙂
allieksmith
Can’t wait!!
Laura @ the gluten-free treadmill
This looks and sounds amazing!
jasonwilkes
This looks amazing, and definitely something my wife would love. I’m going to have to try this…
Brittany
I hope you enjoy as much as I did! Let me know. 🙂
Britta
How did I miss this post?!?!?! SWOOOOOOOOOONNNNNN!!! I want a square NOW, right NOW! Yum!
Jessica
Oh my dear lord. You just made my day.
Rach @ This Italian Family
I love a good Harry Potter reference! 🙂 These sound lovely!