Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with superfoods like nuts, chia seeds, and cacao powder, these brownies offer a healthful boost.
- No Baking Required: Enjoy a delicious treat without turning on the oven.
- Naturally Sweetened: Medjool dates provide natural sweetness, eliminating the need for refined sugars.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (173g) packed pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup (28g) raw walnuts
- ¼ cup (28g) raw pecan halves
- ½ cup (28g) shelled pistachios, divided
- ¼ cup (21g) unsweetened finely shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 1 tablespoon melted virgin coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup (30g) dried cranberries (or dried cherries or goji berries)
- 1 tablespoon warm water, if necessary
For the topping:
- 2 ounces dark chocolate bar (vegan, if desired)
To garnish:
- 1 tablespoon shelled chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries, cherries, or goji berries
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
- Maldon sea salt, for sprinkling on top
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Process the Base: In a food processor, combine the dates, walnuts, pecans, and ¼ cup of the pistachios. Process until chunky.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the shredded coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the processor. Process until the mixture starts to clump together. If it’s too dry, add 1 tablespoon of warm water and process again.
- Incorporate Mix-Ins: Add the remaining ¼ cup of pistachios and dried cranberries. Pulse a few times to incorporate, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Form the Bars: Line an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the pan, pressing it evenly to the edges.
- Add Chocolate Topping: Melt the dark chocolate over low heat or in the microwave until smooth. Pour over the pressed mixture, tilting the pan to ensure even coverage.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top with chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and pecans. Place in the freezer for 20-45 minutes until the chocolate sets.
- Serve: Once set, sprinkle with Maldon sea salt, cut into 8 bars, and enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 bars
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Chill Time: 20-45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Nut Substitutions: Use almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts based on preference.
- Dried Fruits: Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries, goji berries, or raisins.
- Chocolate-Free: Omit the chocolate topping for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if frozen.
FAQs
What makes these brownies “superfood” brownies?
These brownies are termed “superfood” due to the inclusion of nutrient-dense ingredients like nuts, chia seeds, and cacao powder, which are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of dates?
Dates provide natural sweetness and help bind the ingredients. Substituting them may affect texture and flavor. If necessary, consider using figs or prunes.
Are these brownies suitable for a keto diet?
Due to the natural sugars in dates, these brownies are not keto-friendly.
How can I make the brownies nut-free?
Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds to make them nut-free.
Is there a substitute for coconut oil?
You can use another neutral oil, but coconut oil helps with texture and flavor.
Can I omit the chia seeds?
Chia seeds add fiber and help bind the mixture. You can omit them, but
No Bake Superfood Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
No Bake Superfood Brownies are a vegan and gluten-free treat loaded with healthy ingredients like nuts, chia seeds, and cacao powder. These nutrient-rich energy bars are naturally sweetened with Medjool dates, making them a perfect snack or dessert. Easy to make and customizable, they’re a delicious no-bake option that’s ready in just over an hour!
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 cup (173g) packed pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup (28g) raw walnuts
- ¼ cup (28g) raw pecan halves
- ½ cup (28g) shelled pistachios, divided
- ¼ cup (21g) unsweetened finely shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 1 tablespoon melted virgin coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup (30g) dried cranberries (or dried cherries/goji berries)
- 1 tablespoon warm water, if necessary
Topping:
- 2 ounces dark chocolate bar (vegan, if desired)
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon shelled chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries/cherries/goji berries
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
- Maldon sea salt
Instructions
- Process the Base: Combine dates, walnuts, pecans, and ¼ cup pistachios in a food processor. Process until chunky.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until the mixture clumps together. If too dry, add 1 tablespoon of warm water and process again.
- Incorporate Mix-Ins: Add the remaining pistachios and dried cranberries. Pulse to incorporate, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Form the Bars: Line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture evenly into the pan.
- Add Chocolate Topping: Melt dark chocolate and pour over the pressed mixture, tilting to ensure even coverage.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with pistachios, dried fruits, and pecans. Freeze for 20-45 minutes until the chocolate sets.
- Serve: Sprinkle with Maldon sea salt, cut into 8 bars, and enjoy!
Notes
- Customizations: Substitute nuts or dried fruits to your liking.
- No Chocolate Version: Omit the chocolate topping for a simpler treat.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
