Description
Chocolate lovers will adore these delightful no-bake brownie bars, packed with rich cocoa and nutty goodness. Rich chocolate layers meld perfectly with smooth textures, creating an irresistible treat you can quickly prepare without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) pitted Medjool dates (softened if needed)
- 1 cup (240 ml) raw walnuts or almonds
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (60 ml) almond butter (or peanut butter)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mini chocolate chips (optional)
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted dark chocolate
- Chopped nuts or shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions
- Hydrate the dates if they are not already soft by immersing them in warm water for a brief period. Thoroughly drain and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Utilize a food processor to transform walnuts or almonds into a fine, consistent texture, being cautious not to over-process into a paste-like consistency.
- Combine softened dates, rich cocoa powder, creamy almond butter, aromatic vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt within the food processor. Pulse and blend until the ingredients meld into a cohesive, slightly tacky mixture. Adjust moisture by introducing minimal water if the dough appears excessively dry.
- For enhanced indulgence, gently incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough, folding them through manually to ensure even distribution.
- Prepare an 8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, creating slight overhang for easy removal. Carefully transfer the dough and use clean hands or a silicone spatula to uniformly spread and compress the mixture.
- For an elegant finish, consider embellishing the surface with a delicate drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of chopped nuts or delicate coconut shavings.
- Transfer the prepared pan to the refrigerator and allow the bars to set and firm up for approximately one hour, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Once chilled, lift the bars from the pan using parchment paper edges. Slice into uniform rectangles and serve immediately. Preserve any remaining portions in an airtight container within the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- Swap dates with prunes or dried figs for a unique flavor twist that keeps the bars naturally sweet and binding.
- Customize the nut base by using cashews or pecans to create different nutty undertones and textures in your brownie bars.
- For gluten-free and vegan diets, ensure all ingredients like chocolate chips and nut butter are certified to meet dietary requirements.
- Reduce moisture by using very fresh, soft dates or lightly toasting nuts beforehand to enhance the overall richness and prevent soggy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg