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Homemade No Bake Date Brownies Recipe

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4 from 14 reviews

These Homemade No Bake Date Brownies are a deliciously rich and fudgy treat made with wholesome ingredients like walnuts, dates, and hazelnut butter. Sweetened naturally with medjool dates and coated with a smooth vegan ganache, these brownies require no baking and are perfect for a healthy snack or dessert. The recipe includes optional espresso powder for depth, and toppings like toasted hazelnuts and freeze-dried raspberries add texture and flavor.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 200 g walnuts (or pecans)
  • 80 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 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

For Frosting

  • 1 batch vegan ganache (see notes)

Optional Toppings

  • Toasted hazelnuts
  • Freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry mix: 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.
  2. Add wet ingredients: Add the pitted dates, hazelnut butter, and vanilla powder to the processor. Blend again until the mixture sticks together to form a cohesive dough.
  3. Press mixture into pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper and press the raw brownie mixture evenly into the pan. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon. Place the pan in the refrigerator to firm up for 1-2 hours.
  4. Prepare ganache: While the brownies chill, prepare a batch of vegan chocolate ganache or vegan Nutella for the frosting.
  5. Frost the brownies: Remove the brownie base from the fridge and spread the ganache evenly on top using an offset spatula. Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts and freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries if desired.
  6. Chill to set: Place the frosted brownies back in the fridge for at least one hour to allow the ganache to firm up completely.
  7. Serve and store: Slice the brownies into individual portions. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. They may also be kept at room temperature for up to a day in cool climates, or frozen for up to three months separated by parchment paper.

Notes

  • Note 1: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for best flavor.
  • Note 2: Medjool dates are ideal for their natural sweetness and softness.
  • Note 3: Hazelnut butter can be substituted with almond or peanut butter if preferred.
  • Note 4: Vanilla powder enhances flavor, but vanilla extract can also be used.
  • Note 5: Vegan ganache is typically made with dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream; prepare according to your favorite recipe.
  • Optional toppings like toasted hazelnuts and freeze-dried fruit add crunch and tartness.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diet: Vegan