Description
These no-bake chocolate brownies are rich, fudgy, and naturally sweetened with Medjool dates for a wholesome dessert. They require no baking and are finished with an optional smooth chocolate topping for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
2 cups raw unsalted walnuts
2 cups packed pitted Medjool dates
1/3 cup walnuts (optional, for additional texture)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the optional chocolate topping:
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Line an 8 × 8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Add 2 cups walnuts, Medjool dates, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt to a food processor.
- Process until the mixture forms a sticky, crumbly dough, scraping down the sides as needed.
- If desired, add the remaining 1/3 cup walnuts and pulse a few times, leaving small walnut pieces for texture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer.
- For the optional topping, stir together melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Spread the topping evenly over the brownie layer.
- Refrigerate or freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
Soak firm dates in warm water for about 10 minutes if they are too dry before processing.
Add extra walnuts or a little cocoa powder if the mixture is too sticky.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Customize with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, cacao nibs, or a swirl of natural peanut or almond butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg