The Ultimate Unbaked Brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make—no oven required! Packed with deep chocolate flavor, crunchy nuts, and a smooth, velvety texture, these brownies come together quickly using simple, wholesome ingredients. They’re perfect for when you need a quick dessert fix without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required – Quick and easy to make with no oven needed.
- Rich and fudgy texture – Dense, chocolatey, and perfectly satisfying.
- Naturally sweetened – Made with dates or natural sweeteners instead of refined sugar.
- Customizable – Add nuts, dried fruit, or coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Perfect for any occasion – A quick dessert for parties, snacks, or indulgent cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Medjool dates (pitted)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Almonds or walnuts (finely chopped)
- Almond flour or oat flour
- Coconut oil (melted)
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
- Dark chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
- Chopped nuts or shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the dates: If using dry dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Blend the base: In a food processor, combine dates, cocoa powder, nuts, almond flour, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture becomes sticky and forms a dough.
- Press into a pan: Line a baking dish with parchment paper and press the brownie mixture evenly into the pan.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut on top, pressing lightly to stick.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Slice and serve: Cut into squares and enjoy straight from the fridge.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Peanut Butter Swirl – Add dollops of peanut butter before chilling and swirl with a knife.
- Extra Chocolatey – Mix in chocolate chips for an extra burst of cocoa.
- Vegan Version – Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Coconut Delight – Add shredded coconut to the brownie base for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy-sweet combo.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Not necessary, but if you want a gooey texture, microwave for 5-10 seconds before eating.
FAQs
Can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder?
Yes! Both work well, though cacao powder has a slightly more intense chocolate flavor.
Can I make this nut-free?
Yes, replace nuts with sunflower seeds or oats and use oat flour instead of almond flour.
What’s the best way to ensure the brownies are firm?
Chill the brownies for at least an hour, or freeze for faster setting.
Can I use another type of flour?
Yes! Oat flour, coconut flour, or even regular all-purpose flour (if you’re not concerned about being gluten-free) can be used.
Are these brownies vegan?
Yes, as long as you use plant-based ingredients like dairy-free chocolate chips.
How do I make them sweeter?
Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey if you want extra sweetness.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, replace 2 tablespoons of almond flour with your favorite protein powder.
What size pan should I use?
An 8×8-inch pan works well for thick brownies, but a larger pan will create thinner squares.
How do I prevent them from sticking to the pan?
Line the pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with coconut oil.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. The chilling time may increase slightly.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Unbaked Brownies are a rich, chocolatey treat that’s quick to make and perfect for any dessert craving. With no baking required, they’re ideal for hot days, busy schedules, or anyone looking for a healthier, naturally sweetened indulgence. Try this recipe today and enjoy a fudgy, guilt-free dessert!
PrintThe Ultimate Unbaked Brownies
These rich, fudgy, no-bake brownies are packed with chocolatey goodness and require zero oven time! Naturally sweetened with dates and made with wholesome ingredients, they’re perfect for a quick dessert or a healthy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the brownie base:
- 2 cups (300g) Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 ½ cups (150g) walnuts or almonds
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons water (if needed for blending)
For the chocolate ganache topping:
- ½ cup (120ml) coconut cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
- 150g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- A pinch of sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the brownie base:
- Place the walnuts (or almonds) in a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
- Add the dates, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the mixture is sticky and crumbly. If it’s too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water.
- Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface.
2. Prepare the chocolate ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat the coconut cream over low heat until just simmering (don’t let it boil).
- Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Add maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter ganache.
3. Assemble the brownies:
- Pour the ganache over the brownie base and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt (optional) for extra flavor.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the brownies are firm.
4. Slice and serve:
- Once set, lift the brownies from the dish using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Enjoy chilled for the best texture!
Notes
- Swap walnuts for pecans or cashews for a different nutty flavor.
- Add ½ teaspoon instant coffee powder to the base for a mocha twist.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.