Vegan Chocolate Soft Serve and a Raw Chocolate GIVEAWAY
Now that the Super Bowl is over, it's time to focus on treats for Valentine's Day! Naturally this is one of my favourite occasions of the year - not for the jewellery or the flowers, but for the chocolate and desserts and everything pink! haha. Today, not only do I have a 2 great recipes to share with you, I have an amazing raw chocolate GIVEAWAY that is open to Canada and the US. This one will blow your mind and I'm so excited to be offering it.
I'm going to be sharing a bunch of great raw vegan recipes leading up to Valentine's Day so stay tuned, and make sure to subscribe if you haven't already (on the right side under my photo).
Today's recipes are both vegan soft serves - but with a special main ingredient that so far one one has guessed on Instagram. One is made with carob and the other with cacao. Carob has gotten so lost in the mix over the years. While it's often used as a chocolate substitute, I'm sure we can all agree that nothing can compete with chocolate. That being said, carob is such an amazing food in itself. I like it so much that I wrote a whole e-book on carob recipes. Lets bring carob back! If you haven't had it before, then you must give it a try - It's a tree pod that is dried and ground (you can buy it either raw or roasted). It is very high in fiber, full of minerals, low in sugar (although is sweet), low in calories, and has NONE of the stimulant effects that cacao has, so again, its a nice alternative in that sense. I've chewed on carob pods straight from the tree - they're really delicious! A note: I recommend avoiding carob chips because they're made with sugar and bad oil. Stick to the powder and make your own treats with it.
There's a secret ingredient in these vegan soft serves. Here's a hint: its unusual! NO banana, nuts, coconut, or avocado.
When I shared the pic on Instagram earlier today and asked people to guess the secret ingredient, I got all kinds of great answers - but one one got it right! People guessed: avocado, cauliflower, beans, sweet potato, black beans, aquafaba, pumpkin, and the list went on. It was fun. What's your guess? (before looking).
With all the food intolerances and preferences these days, I thought I'd do a little something different that the usual banana based soft serve - lets get real - not everyone likes bananas, and there's no hiding its strong taste! We've all done the avocado pudding/soft serve (love it!), using coconut milk is another common one but again, a lot of people can't have coconut. And then there are the folks who can't have nuts, so this is an option for you too.
Drum roll... here's the recipe...
Yup I've used cooked and frozen butternut squash as the star. It makes for a great soft serve because its super creamy and quite neutral tasting. Besides all of that, it's full of nutrients and fiber, so eat up!
Vegan Chocolate Soft Serve
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked and frozen cubed butternut squash
1/3 cup almond milk* - for nut free use coconut milk OR water
1/2 cup pitted medjool dates
3 tablespoons cacao powder**
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons tahini - or almond butter
6 large ice cubes
Blend all but the ice cubes in a high speed blender (it can have a bit a chunks in it at this point). Now add the ice cubes and blend until completely smooth. Eat immediately. Serves 2.
*Note: I only know what this is like with fresh raw almond milk that I make myself. I highly recommend making it yourself too. There's a recipe in my Sweetly Raw Desserts book, and otherwise there are many online. The stuff in the store, even if its unsweetened, is pretty gross in flavor and texture and the ingredient list isn't so hot. I only like to use it in baking occasionally.
**I've made it 3 times and for the one in my pics I didn't realize until after the fact that I used 2 tablespoons instead of 3. This is why it has an orangey tint to it.
Vegan Carob Soft Serve
3/4 cup cooked/cubed/frozen butternut squash
5 large dates
1/3 cup almond milk or water
1/3 cup carob powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon tahini or almond butter
6 large ice cubes
Blend all but the ice cubes in a high speed blender. Add the ice and blend again until completely smooth. Eat immediately. Seves 2.
It's all about the toppings...
I sprinkled Rawmio raw chocolate covered sunflower seeds on top along with chocolate covered mulberries (all the little sections of mulberries covered in raw chocolate).
These are AMAZZZING! Super crunchy because the seeds are sprouted and dehydrated first (which also makes them more easily digested).
For the chocolate drizzle
2 tablespoons coconut nectar
2 tablespoons coconut oil*
2 tablespoons cacao powder, sifted
1 -2 teaspoons warm water
Whisk all ingredients together over a bowl of hot water to make sure it stays fluid. If you are using maple syrup it will be a but more runny, so you may need less water. Play and come to the consistency you like. *(Try 1 tablespoon of almond butter or tahini if you can't have coconut).
I dressed this one with:
Chocolate sauce
Rawmio raw vegan chocolate covered almonds
Rawmio chocolate sunflower seeds
Raw coconut flakes
GIVEAWAY
Speaking of Rawmio, this wonderful organic raw vegan company is giving away an amazing Valentine's Day treat to one of my lucky readers!
If you haven't heard of Rawmio, go check them out. I'm a huge fan and have been enjoying their products for years. The cool thing is that they are constantly bringing out new products! There are a bunch of things that I have my eye on to try like the cookie dough spread! They have amazing raw chocolate bars and chocolate barks too.
Today Rawmio is giving away a jar of their Raw Superfood Spread!
It's a stone ground blend of almonds, goji berries, chia seeds, coconut sugar, vanilla bean powder, and Himalayan salt. Think the best almond butter you've ever had with yummy things in it. A jar of this didn't last long in my house!
Not only that... they've giving away an entire TRAY of their NEW FILLED raw chocolate hearts. I haven't even tried them yet. I'm dying to try them as I know how amazing they'll be just like all their other products.
This entire tray people! You get all 54 filled raw vegan chocolate hearts!
To Enter:
Please note that this contest is open to the US and Canada, however if you are Canadian you will have to pay for the shipping, so by entering the contest you are agreeing to that. It will be shipped from Rawmio in the US.
I'll use a random number generator to pick the winner and the contest will run until February 12th at midnight so they can be shipped out to you on Monday.
You most complete BOTH of these to be considered for the win:
- Leave a comment and tell me, what is your favourite Valentine's Day treat?
- "Like" Sweetly Raw Desserts HERE on Facebook
And that's it!
Note: this giveaway is closed. The winner is Brittany Godorov. Thanks everyone for participating!
Best of luck guys, I can't wait to see what your favourite VDay treat is.
Here, I took some of the rawmio superfood spread and mixed it with an equal part melted coconut butter to create an incredible filling for these chocolate cups!
Wishing you a great week!
Connect with me:
154 Comments
My favorite Valentine's Day Treat is Chocolate Raspberry Truffle ice cream from one of my favorite high-quality brands, Comfy Cow. I hope that counts.
Absolutely it count! It sounds delicious Liz!! xo
I like Sweetly Raw Desserts on Facebook.
Great giveaway! My favourite treat is home made chocolate hearts that I fill the centres with different items; like almonds, dried cherries, peanut butter, truffle ball (cocoa,coconut oil and maple syrup), pecans, etc. You never know which one you will get. It makes a great gift and they are all delicious.
Ooh that all sounds really delicious Denise!
Wow, such a lovely giveaway but pity that this is not open worldwide :) Your soft ice sounds delicious, Heather, love the easy recipe and the simple ingredients <3 My favourite Valentine treat would be some raw chocolate or a raw cake but always with chocolate!
I know, I wish so too Natalia! Thank you! Mmm yes always chocolate for Valentine's Day, Im sure you'll make something wonderful.
My favorite Valentine's Day are the raw chocolate Bombons!! I love the idea of creating different toppings for them!
I love dark chocolate coconut cream truffles!
I've been making a raw Black Forest Cheesecake for dessert for years now. I have not had it in quite some time but this is my all time favorite raw food dessert (and non raw food!). This post has inspired me to make it this weekend when we get together with friends for dinner :) I'm heading over to "like" your page now, Heather!!!!
That sounds lovely Carrie!! Black Forest cake is one I rarely make but is always so good. I hope you enjoy the soft serve :))
For Valentine's Day I like to make superfood chocolates that have vegan chocolate, green superfood powder, goji berries and seeds, and I press them into heart candy molds to cool and harden. I Liked your page on FaceBook as Kiki Howell Thanks for this great recipe. Can't wait to try it!
That sounds really delicious Kiki!! Thanks, I hope you enjoy it!
I usually order vegan chocolates from Lagusta's luscious for Valentine's Day. They're not raw but the caramels are incredible. This year I'm planning to make my own raw vegan treat but I haven't decided which one yet!
A box of chocolates. Before I was married, my dad would send me a box every year, so it has a special place in my heart.
Hi Heather: I've been following you for a while now and I just have to tell you what an inspiration you are and how much I appreciate all the great recipes! Your recipes are truly the "best" raw vegan deserts out there (and I've tried many). Plus your personality and presentation exude loving, kind, creative artist! Thank you for all you do. I always smile when I see a new post from you. My favorite Valentine treat is chocolate fondue with lots of fruit that I make for my boys every year. Simple and fresh. Love the idea for butternut squash. going to try it tonight. Lots of love to you this Valentine's Day. Maryann Rivers (Michigan)
Hi Maryann! You are so sweet! Thank you for your lovely message, I appreciate it so much :)) I'm glad you enjoy my recipes. The chocolate fondue sounds havenly. Much love back to you :D
I like chocolate truffles
I Like" Sweetly Raw Desserts on Facebook
Favorite Valentine's Day treat... Has to be gooey chocolate flourless cake and non-dairy ice cream, vanilla, with a drizzle of chocolate. :-) and the cake is nice and warm as well. Yep, getting hungry just thinking about it.
I love dark chocolate almonds and flourless chocolate cake for Valentine's Day!
I think chocolate covered strawberries.. but with white chocolate! Yum!!
These recipes look delicious! Can't wait to try them! How much carob powder do you need to put in the vegan caron soft serve?
Oh! thank you Nayla, I forgot to add it!!! I just did :) Its 1/3 cup carob powder. Thanks for catching it!
Anything with chocolate and peanut butter!!
My fave treat is coconut chocolate ice cream with strawberries :)
This is my first year celebrating valentine's day since I went vegan.. so I'm thinking my fave treat will be raw chocolate cheesecake bites.
I've always wanted to try products from Rawmio! My favorite valentine's day treat would definitely be a rich and creamy raspberry chocolate mousse tart (raw and vegan, of course). And this soft serve looks so decadent and delicious!
Thanks Vanessa! Wow that tart sounds amazing!!
Your chocolate pb balls of course!!
Haha nice!! :))
Oh what a giveaway!! I will happily pay shipping if it means I can finally try Rawmio ?? To treat myself for Valentine's Day, I spend an obscene amount of money buying ALL the fresh fruit that is so expensive in February, and make myself the biggest bowl of fruit salad with fresh basil and a bit of lime. All the fresh berries I can find, mango, pineapple, persimmon, guava, passion fruit, grapes, pitaya... During wiinter I have usually mainly frozen berries but I love them so much. I can have chocolate any old time ? lol (liked you on Facebook too) ??
Yum that sounds delicious Jordann!! A bit of rawmio chocolate would be a great addition to your fruit bowl! :))
My favorite Valentine's Day recipe is chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream! Vegan of course!
Valentine's Day..... anything "dark" chocolate!
CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE... oh wait... did I mention CHOCOLATE?? Lol. It's my weakness.
Anything with chocolate and raspberries!
Anything Chocolate! But I love your avocado key lime cheescake! Great recipes, thanks!
Thank you! Im glad you enjoy it :)
When I think of valentines I think chocolate so really anything that's chocolate. Love Heathers famours chocolate turtles.
Thanks Nic! Oh yes haven't made those in a while!
Anything Chocolate or sweet
i'm simple, i could go for any raw dessert, or just chocolate nice cream
Thank you for your beautiful creations! I love all of the photographs. I have to say that my favorite delictable are my special raw chocolate superfood covered mulberries! Yum?
Your chocolate covered mulberries sound amazing Lalita!!
Heather thank you so much for share your knowledge with others, I love your recipes and IG story, my favorite treat is chocolate cupcakes with coconut whipped cream.
Thank you so much Marian! Mm chocolate cupcakes :))
I love raw dark chocolate and raw cakes but unfortunately I have to make them and I am trying not to eat processed sugar anymore. boooo
I liked you on FB - julie.reuter1
My favorite V-Day treat would be a white chocolate raspberry cheesecake.
Mm that sounds delicious!
My favorite Valentine's Day desserts is any of the raw cheesecakes. There are so many ways to make them look so pretty.
Chocolate covered strawberries! :)
What awesome soft-serve recipes and that prize?! The chocolates sound amazing and the spread sounds even better. I would be in my element with both of them. My favourite Valentine's treat is good quality chocolate so this prize would make my day!
I know! I wish I could win the prize!! lol. I'm dying to try the chocolate hearts but Im so glad I can offer this giveaway.
Anything with dates!!!
My favourite Valentine's Day treat is raw chocolate jungle peanut butter cups! :D
Yummm!!! Chocolate peanut butter cups are my favourite too! I have a jar jungle PB in my fridge now.
Dark chocolates filled with sea salt almond butter
Must say a fruity cheesecake would be at the top of the list of Valentine's treats although a good chocolate truffle is close behind. I've followed your site for awhile now and truly love the inspiring recipes you share! Thank you. Even if I don't win, I'm definitely looking into Rawmio.
Thank you so much!! That's great, I hope you give their products a try.
I definitely indulge in gluten free brownies and coconut milk ice cream for a Valentine's Day dessert!!
I'm going back to an all raw diet and can't wait to try all your recipes! Chocolate truffles and cheesecake ?? or anything with peanut butter
That's awesome! I hope you enjoy the recipes. MMM I like anything with peanut butter too!
My favorite dessert right now is either a chocolate banana chia pudding or a raw vegan brownie!
My favorite Valentine's Day treat is chocolate covered peanut brittle by better brittle. It's locally made in Syracuse, NY and they only make the chocolate covered peanut brittle for Valentine's Day. It is so good!
That sounds delicious!!
My favorite Valentine treat is dark chocolate made with cocoa, coconut oil, vanilla and maple syrup with creamy date center. Oh, and sharing them with my sweetie of course.
Anything chocolate and chewy is my fave Valentine treat!!??
My fav is your raw chocolate ice cream cake from Sweetly Raw with the cookies on top!!!! So yummmmmy!
Ah, I'm so glad you tried that one! The cookie dough ice cream cake! :)))
My fave valentine's day treat is dark chocolate made w cacao butter and strawberries or caramel and sea saltl! Mmmm ?
Mmmm yummy!!
i love raw chocolate cheesecake with raspberries on too! I have never tried Rawmio but would love to!!
Raw sugar cookies with heart sprinkles!
I looooove chocolate fondue (or anything dipped in chocolate).
My favourite Valentine's Day treat is CHOCOLATE - of any kind! Vegan Chocolate cake, raw almond butter cups... yum!! Thanks for al of your inspiring recipes!!
Mmm almond butter cups are the best!
I love a oh so light chocolate mousse with coconut whipped cream and raspberries!
Love you Heather ??????
I love Tiramisu cheesecake now!!
Today, for my birthday, my fabulous daughter is making me a strawberry cheesecake with mango on top!!!!!
Thank you immensely for your amazing abundant inspirations.
Hugs galore ?????
Yummy Dawn! Happy Birthday my friend!! Much love and big hugs xoxo
Raspberry truffles!
Your soft serve reminded me of a treat I made in my first year of blogging (a while ago. . . ahem!!) that I simply must revamp for my current diet! Sweet Potato Truffles have a smooth, creamy center made with sweet potato (naturally) and all covered in dreamy chocolate. The Rawmio almond butter sounds equally dreamy--yum!!! And having bought your chocolates in the past, I know how amazing they are as well. That tray of hearts wouldn't last long in this house! :D
Sweet potato truffles Ricki?! That sounds so glorious!! You would love the rawmio superfood spread :D
I like dark chocolate anything!
Favorite Valentines' dessert? Easy! Chocolate lava explosion cakes, vegan of course!! So good and decadent and gooey..ugh I'm hungry just thinking about them!!
I love love the chocolate cups filled with nut butter at ingredients cafe. I can't remember what it's called but it's my favorite!!
Yummm, yes I know those cups well. so you're a local!
Definitely cake ?!
A simple favourite treat of mine is to open a date and smear some chocolate inside. Then fill it with coconut flakes and cover with more chocolate. Soooo yummy!
Chocolate - any kind - truffles, coconut creme, strawberry creme, and oh yes, yes, yes, peanut butter smothered in chocolate. The Rawmio sounds amazing!
Yumm that all sounds delicious Donna!!
I love Flourless Chocolate Cake on Valentine's Day. It's a rich and decadent treat for a special day!
What a yummy giveaway! I enjoy nut butter and dark chocolate & hubby likes caramel and dark chocolate.
My favorite Valentine's Day treat is raw banana ice cream with raspberries and chocolate sauce!
My favorite Valentine's Day treat has to be the raw peanut butter balls!! Yummmmmmm
Chocolate is my favourite treat for any occasion, but for Valentine's Day - spending it with my other half is even better :)
anything with Dark chocolate and Peanut butter for Valentine's day! Like chocolate butter cups :)
Making chocolates and chocolate pops with my girls. This year we will try raw chocolate from your Sweetly Raw Desserts book!
My favorite treat is Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies I am in the U.S. and I follow you on Facebook as Carolsue Anderson
Cinnamon hearts on chocolate cake!
My favorite treat for Valentine's day and any special day is the amazing sushi we can get in Portland :-)
My fave Valentine's treat is chocolate! No surprise!!! I'm currently obsessed with dark chocolate salted caramels and your chocolate PB balls! I bet those raw vegan chocolate hearts would be amazing too!
Mmm dark chocolate salted caramels!!
Your Vegan Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Clusters filled with mix 'n match of dates, trail mix, dried fruit &/or various nuts & seeds.
[…] if you haven't already, be sure to enter my amazing raw chocolate giveaway! See details later in this […]
I always make chocolate chip scones in the shape of hearts for Valentine's Day.
That sounds so fabulous Hannah!
My favorite Valentine's Day treat is cheesecake with any type of fruit topping - I love them all!
Dark chocolate with the highest % of cocoa he can find is my Valentines Day request. ?
I love carob peanut butter cups--even better if someone else offers to make them for me.
OMG. I must win this. Fave V-Day dessert is spicy raw chocolate with hemp seeds, almond butter, and a kiss of cayenne! SO good.
Who doesn't love dark chocolate covered strawberries and a good red wine? Thanks for the giveaway, this stuff sounds amazing!
I love raw chocolate brownies using dates, walnuts and carob powder. I love your posts, your books and all of your recipes - so refreshing!
Thank you so much!!
My favorite Valentine's day treat is a raw chocolate bar.
My favorite Valentines Day treat is a glass of Champagne with crushed raspberries in the bottom of the flute?
?
This looks amazing. My favorite is chocolate covered strawberries.
Chocolate! The darker the better. All day every day but especially on Valentine's Day!
I'm a fan of anything DARK chocolate! Dark chocolate and nuts/ strawberries are my all time favorites. :)
Homemade chocolate covered strawberries! My husband surprised me last year with some! Best gift ever!
What a sweet husband!!
This is such a wonderful Valentine's giveaway. For Valentine's Day my favorite treat or dessert is dark chocolate bark with almonds. The darker the better. I also love chocolate dipped strawberries but also with dark chocolate. Have a happy day! (I've like your page on FB)
Mm it all sounds delicious!
My favorite Valentine's Day treat is an Eating Evolved coconut butter cup, yum! I haven't tried any RawMio products yet, but if I don't win I will defintiely be purchasing some to make these recipes!!
My favourite is anything chocolate!! It's hard to narrow it down.
I love think chocolate fudge. That's my favorite.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles!
Love a Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Those look amazing! ? My favorite Valentine's Day treat is dark chocolate raspberry truffles.
Excited to just find your page. My favourite Valentines Day dessert is chocolate covered strawberries
??
Thank you! :)
Basically anything chocolate that I have just made. That can be anything from fudge, to cookies, to chocolate dipped strawberries, to Eatmore bars, to cupcakes. I think this year I'm going to make molten lava fudge cakes. And more Eatmore bars.
Yumm, it all sounds amazing!!!
My favorite Valentine's treat is anything dark chocolate!
I love love vegan chocolate. Really want my bf to buy me some and a v day gift (pillow). Would love vegan caramels and chocolate covered strawberries.
Mmm would love to try rawmio! My favorite valentine's treat is ANYTHING chocolate! Of course, raw vegan chocolate obviously ?
Nothing says Valentines day like chocolate covered strawberries or a chocolate eclair but I would probably be happy with any dessert.
I love chocolate cherry
Oh my goodness, I'm just now getting around to looking at his recipe. LOVE the butternut!!!
Thanks Noelle! :D
My favourite valentine treat has to be a cookie dough truffle made with mostly cashews and dates. Delicious combination!!
That sounds incredible!!!
As a sweets lover... I must say French Macarons were my ultimate weakness and absolute favorite treat for valentines. Since becoming vegan I would love to learn a simplified vegan version! I am so glad I have found your site and can satisfy that sweet tooth without the guilt
My favorite treat used to be an amazing cinnamon chili truffle that I made, now I think chocolate-covered strawberries are wonderful! I was eyeing yours, they're much fancier and prettier than the ones I've made ;) (@creativejua)
Heathy, my fav Valetine treat was actually on my birthday! Your mom bought me a selection of your chocolates and I ate them all up driving to Thunder Bay. You asked me what was my favourite and I said they were all REALLY hood but what ever was in the foil wrapper was AMAZING! You laughed and told me it was your raw turtle! Now every Valetines (and Christmas, Easter, birthday, Halloween, Just pick a day!) I fondly reflect that no other chocolate can compare!
Aw thanks Pammie!!! Such good memories. I miss you and love you!
This looks divine!!!! I think my favorite V-day dessert is either chocolate covered strawberries, or red velvet anything. Ha.
Thank you! Ooh red velvet. Good option!
My favorite Valentine treat is Chocolate Avacado Mousse with peppermint essential oil !!! Yum
Brownies!
I love red velvet cupcakes!
This soft serve is delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
[…] I hope you're not tired of Valentine's Day treats yet! With just a few days left before the 14th, I thought I would share a raw vegan dessert recipe roundup for the occasion. I'm quickly running out of time as I'm scrambling to get packed and get everything in order... which leads me to 2 pieces of news. If you live in the Toronto area, I'm there this week and will be live on Breakfast Television making raw desserts on February 16th, so tune in at 6:30am and wave to me! I'll also be making raw desserts from my book for City Line on the 17th. I'm so excited for these opportunities! Also, this is the last day to enter my raw chocolate giveaway from Rawmio so be sure to enter in this post HERE. […]