Ready in: 2 hours 15 minutes · Serves: 16 · Technique: No Bake · Storage: Refrigerate for up to one week.
Quick Answer
These No Bake Superfood Brownies are a simple, no-bake treat made from wholesome ingredients that everyone will love.
When I think of the upcoming holiday season in New York City, with Thanksgiving and Christmas lights twinkling on every corner, my mind warms at the thought of gathering with family and friends. This season, I'm excited to share a delightful treat that requires no baking but delivers on taste and nourishment: No Bake Superfood Brownies. Not only are they gluten-free and vegan, but they also pack a power punch of chocolatey goodness and wholesome ingredients-perfect for a cozy gathering or a sweet indulgence after a holiday meal.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No baking required-easy and quick to make!
- Healthy ingredients that are gluten-free and vegan.
- Packed with wholesome goodness and chocolatey flavor.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or a guilt-free dessert.
- Easy to customize with your favorite nuts or toppings.
Ingredients
To create these delicious brownies, you'll need the following high-quality ingredients:
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates (Medjool recommended for sweetness)
- 1 cup raw walnuts (or preferred raw nuts)
- ½ cup cacao powder (for rich chocolate flavor)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (adds sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure for best flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup rolled oats (gluten-free for full gluten-free option)
- Optional toppings: shredded coconut, chia seeds, or dark chocolate chips
How to Make No Bake Superfood Brownies (Step-by-Step)
Making these brownies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to create a delectable treat.
Step 1: Blend the Dates and Walnuts
Start by adding your pitted Medjool dates and raw walnuts into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Enjoy the warm, nutty aroma as you blend.
Step 2: Add the Cocoa and Flavorings
Sprinkle in the cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Pulse again until everything is well combined, creating a glossy mixture full of chocolatey goodness.
Step 3: Incorporate the Oats
Now, add in your rolled oats. Pulse a few more times until they're mixed in but still have some texture for that chewy bite.
Step 4: Press and Set
Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhanging edges for easy removal. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press it down tightly with your fingers or a spatula to create compact layers.
Step 5: Chill Until Firm
Let your pan sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up. This waiting period will reward you with brownies that have the perfect texture.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into squares. A dusting of cacao powder or some shredded coconut adds a festive touch!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Many Wet Ingredients: The mixture should be firm and sticky but not overly wet. Too much maple syrup can make them gooey instead of chewy.
- Not Packing the Mixture Firmly: If you don't press the brownie mix down tight in the pan, the brownies may fall apart when cut.
- Skipping the Chill Time: These brownies need time to set properly. Cutting them too soon will lead to a crumbly mess rather than clean squares.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with different nuts or seeds for a varied flavor profile; pecans or almonds work wonderfully!
- Add a dash of espresso powder to the cacao mixture for an elevated chocolate experience.
- Store brownies in an airtight container; they're great to have on hand as quick snacks!
Variations
- Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or any preferred nut.
- Try using agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Incorporate nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, for added richness.
- Mix in dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture.
How to Serve
- Dust with additional cacao powder or shredded coconut for a festive touch.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of plant-based ice cream.
- Pair with a warm beverage like herbal tea or almond milk latte.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The brownie mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a day before pressing into the pan.
- Storage: Keep your No Bake Superfood Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezing: Brownies freeze well! Wrap individual squares in parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe container.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Creating these brownies taught me that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. The joy of sharing a nutritious, delicious treat with loved ones is truly one of the highlights of the holiday season, making every gathering just a little bit sweeter.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 16 squares · Serving Size: 1 square
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 3g protein · 20g carbs · 7g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious No Bake Superfood Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Start by adding your pitted Medjool dates and raw walnuts into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle in the cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Pulse again until everything is well combined.
- Now, add in your rolled oats. Pulse a few more times until they're mixed in but still have some texture.
- Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, transfer the mixture into the pan and press it down tightly to create compact layers.
- Let your pan sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Once set, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into squares.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts in these brownies?
Absolutely! You can substitute the walnuts with pecans, almonds, or any other raw nuts you prefer. Each nut will lend a unique flavor and texture to the brownies.
How long do the No Bake Superfood Brownies last?
These brownies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well, so you can wrap individual squares in parchment paper and freeze them for future treats.
Can I add other ingredients to customize the brownies?
Definitely! You can add ingredients like chia seeds, shredded coconut, or even a dash of espresso powder to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your brownies.
