Description
These No Bake Date Brownies are a delicious and wholesome treat made with walnuts, cocoa powder, dates, and hazelnut butter. Naturally sweetened and packed with rich flavors, they require no baking and are topped with a luscious vegan chocolate ganache, toasted hazelnuts, and freeze-dried berries for a perfect finish. Ideal for a healthy snack or dessert, these brownies are easy to prepare and can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200 g walnuts (or pecans)
- 80 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 300 g medjool dates, pitted (about 15 dates)
- 200 g hazelnut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
For the Frosting
- 1 batch vegan chocolate ganache (see note 5)
- Toasted hazelnuts (optional)
- Freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries (optional)
Instructions
- Blend dry ingredients: Add the walnuts, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and sea salt to a food processor and blend for a couple of minutes until the mixture resembles a fine crumb consistency.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the pitted dates, hazelnut butter, and vanilla powder to the food processor. Blend again until the mixture sticks together and forms a dough-like consistency.
- Press mixture into pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Press the brownie dough evenly into the pan using the back of a spoon to smooth the surface. Place the pan in the fridge to firm up for 1 to 2 hours.
- Prepare ganache: While the brownies chill, prepare a batch of vegan chocolate ganache or vegan Nutella as per your chosen recipe.
- Frost the brownies: Using an offset spatula, spread the vegan ganache evenly over the chilled brownies. Optionally, sprinkle toasted hazelnuts and freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries on top for added texture and flavor.
- Chill and set: Return the frosted brownies to the fridge for an additional hour to allow the ganache to firm up completely.
- Serve and store: Slice into 16 servings. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. Alternatively, keep at room temperature for up to one day if climate permits. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Note 1: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best rich chocolate flavor. Adjust quantity slightly if you prefer a more intense or milder chocolate taste.
- Note 2: Medjool dates provide natural sweetness and a sticky texture; ensure they are soft and pitted before use.
- Note 3: Hazelnut butter contributes to the creamy texture and nutty flavor. Substitute with almond or cashew butter if preferred.
- Note 4: Vanilla powder adds depth to the flavor. You can use vanilla extract as an alternative.
- Note 5: Vegan ganache can be made using dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream. It adds a rich and creamy frosting topping.
- Storage tip: These brownies hold well in the fridge and freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or make-ahead treats.
