Description
These No Bake Date Brownies are a rich, fudgy treat made with wholesome ingredients like walnuts, medjool dates, and hazelnut butter. They require no baking and rely on chilling to set, making them an easy, healthy dessert option. Finished with a luscious vegan ganache frosting and optional toasted hazelnuts and freeze-dried raspberries, these brownies are perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings with natural sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Nut Base
- 200 g walnuts (or pecans)
Dry Ingredients
- 80 g cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 300 g medjool dates (pitted, about 15 dates)
- 200 g hazelnut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
Frosting
- 1 batch vegan ganache (for frosting)
Optional Toppings
- Toasted hazelnuts
- Freeze-dried raspberries
Instructions
- Prepare dry base: Add the walnuts, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and sea salt to a food processor. Blitz for a couple of minutes until the mixture resembles a fine crumb consistency.
- Form brownie dough: Add the pitted medjool dates, hazelnut butter, and vanilla powder to the processor. Blend again until the ingredients stick together forming a dough-like consistency.
- Press mixture into pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper and press the brownie mixture evenly into the pan using the back of a spoon. Smooth the surface and place it in the refrigerator to firm up for 1 to 2 hours.
- Prepare frosting: While the brownies chill, make a batch of vegan chocolate ganache or vegan nutella to use as frosting.
- Frost the brownies: Remove the chilled brownies and spread the vegan ganache evenly on top using an offset spatula. Optionally, sprinkle toasted hazelnuts and freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries on top.
- Chill to set frosting: Place the frosted brownies back in the fridge for another hour to allow the ganache to firm up properly.
- Slice and serve: Once fully chilled, slice the brownies into 16 individual servings and enjoy.
- Storage: Store brownies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week or at room temperature for a day if in a cool climate. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container with parchment paper layers for up to 3 months.
Notes
- The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if undesired.
- Use soft, fresh medjool dates for best binding and sweetness; remove pits before processing.
- Hazelnut butter provides rich flavor and moisture; almond or peanut butter can be substituted.
- Vanilla powder can be replaced with vanilla extract if needed.
- Vegan ganache is typically made from dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream for a luscious frosting.
- Ensure to chill brownies thoroughly to achieve the proper fudge-like texture without baking.
