I’m a total sucker for easy treats, and these no-bake brownies might be my new favorite!
These brownies are loaded with good-for-you ingredients like raw nuts, dates, and cocoa powder. But trust me, they taste like pure indulgence!
The texture is fudgy and chewy, just like a traditional brownie. And that chocolate ganache topping? Swoon.
Whether you need a quick dessert for a party or just want to treat yourself, these easy brownies will surely hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Brownies
Trust me, you’ll absolutely adore this no-fuss treat!
Quick Fix: No-bake brownies come together in just minutes. They’re perfect for satisfying sudden chocolate cravings.
Fuss-Free Fun: There’s no need to turn on the oven or worry about cooking times.
Texture Bliss: The combination of dates, nuts, and cocoa powder creates an irresistibly fudgy and chewy texture.
Made-to-Order Treat: You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins. Try chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these brownies:
- Raw Walnuts and Raw Almonds: They’re packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein. It’s the perfect base for a wholesome treat.
- Pitted Medjool Dates: They add natural sweetness and help bind the ingredients together.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: To get the essence of chocolate flavor without added sugar.
- Sea Salt: It enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
- Pure Maple Syrup: To add a subtle caramel note.
- Vanilla Extract: It’s a must-have flavor enhancer in baking!
- Dark Chocolate Chips: They melt into a luscious ganache. Choose 70% cacao or higher for an intense chocolate flavor.
- Coconut Oil: The plant-based helps the chocolate topping set perfectly.
How to Make No-Bake Brownies
Follow these simple steps to make these tasty treats:
1. Process the nuts. Pulse the walnuts and almonds in a food processor until they form a coarse meal.
2. Add the remaining ingredients. Add the dates, cocoa powder, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla to the food processor. Process until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
3. Press into the pan. Press the brownie mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Freeze for 30 minutes.
4. Make the ganache topping (optional). Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave. Stir every 30 seconds until smooth.
5. Add the topping and chill. Spread the ganache evenly on top of the brownies, if using. Return to the freezer for 10-15 minutes to set.
6. Slice and serve. Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy!
Tips For the Best No-Bake Brownies
Follow these tips for the very best brownies:
- Keep things fresh. Be sure your nuts and dates are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Toasted nuts. This recipe is no-bake, which is why the nuts are raw. Raw nuts also contain more health benefits. But feel free to toast them at 350°F for about 10 minutes, shuffling them halfway.
- Give ‘em a soak. If your dates are dry or hard, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.
- Treat yourself. For the ganache topping, use high-quality dark chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Some like it hot. Run your knife under hot water and dry it off before slicing the brownies. The heat helps cut through the fudgy texture.
- Try a fun twist. Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the brownie mix or swirl in some natural peanut butter. Top with flaky sea salt for a flavor burst.
- Skip the ganache. If you don’t want to cook anything, skip the ganache and just add a layer of store-bought frosting, peanut butter, or Nutella!
How to Store
If you have leftover brownies, here’s how to store them:
To Store: Keep the brownies in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
To Freeze: Place the brownies in an air-tight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
More Brownies Recipes You’ll Love
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Pecan Pie Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies
Fudgy Brownie Pie
No-Bake Brownies
16
servings10
minutes260
kcalThese no-bake brownies are easy, full of flavor, and good for you! Made with almonds, dates, and dark chocolate, they’re such a treat.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups raw walnuts
1 cup raw almonds
2 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate Ganache Topping (optional):
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a food processor, pulse the walnuts and almonds until they form a coarse meal. Add the dates, cocoa powder, salt, maple syrup and vanilla. Process until the mixture sticks together and forms a dough-like consistency.
- Press the brownie mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
- Meanwhile, make the optional ganache topping. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, until smooth.
- Remove the brownies from the freezer and spread the ganache evenly on top if using. Place back in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to let the ganache set.
- Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into 16 squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 1-3 months.
Notes
- If your dates are dry or hard, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.
- If you don’t want to cook anything, skip the ganache and just add a layer of store-bought frosting, peanut butter, or Nutella!
Must the nuts be raw?
Hi Loli!
This recipe is no-bake, which is why the nuts are raw.
But feel free to toast them at 350°F for about 10 minutes, shuffling them halfway 🙂
If the package says “natural” nuts does that mean they are raw?
Hi again, Loli!
Typically, natural nuts have not been processed in the same way as other nuts, which means they won’t have any salt, sugar, or flavors added.
It also means they still have shells/skins on.
But they might have been roasted. It depends on the type you get.
Raw nuts have more of their natural nutrients, which is another reason they’re in this recipe. They are uncooked but are often heated to remove bacteria.
You don’t have to use raw/natural nuts for this. Choose whatever you prefer 🙂
I avoided the last two ingredients, substituting them for a premade store bought frosting. Yes, I cheated!
Great idea, Susan!
I’ve done the same myself, or just added a thin layer of peanut butter or Nutella 🙂