What happens when a bunch of my favorite superfoods: healthy nuts, dates and cocoa powder come together? Magical, no bake brownies that are vegan and gluten free, packed with superfoods, and taste just like regular, fudgy brownies!
I made these babies about 7 years ago and the AK community became obsessed, so I knew I had to share them again.
All I can say is YOU NEED THEM IN YOUR LIFE! BADLY.
They’re impossible not to love and nutritious enough to enjoy for an afternoon snack. I love storing a batch in the freeze to munch on whenever those chocolate cravings hit. Trust me when I say you’re going to LOVE these slightly crunchy, perfectly sweet, and absolutely delicious no bake superfood brownies.
What are “superfoods?”
Scientifically speaking, there’s really no such thing as a “superfood.” BUT the term is a great way to identify ingredients that are super nourishing on their own because they’re packed with nutrients like healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein! Some examples of superfoods are leafy greens, berries, legumes, avocado, fish, nuts & seeds, and more.
So, can you guess what makes up these amazing no bake brownies?
Ingredients in these no bake brownies
As their name suggests, these no bake brownies are packed with nutrition-rich ingredients, AKA superfoods! All of the ingredients give these vegan & gluten free brownie energy bars healthy fats, fiber, protein and even antioxidants. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:
- Medjool dates: the base of these brownies is made from Medjool dates, which actually give them a natural sweetness!
- Nuts: you’re getting tons of wonderful healthy fats, protein, and delicious crunch from walnuts, pecans, pistachios.
- Coconut: some unsweetened shredded coconut adds wonderful texture, healthy fats, and delicious flavor.
- Chia seeds: hello, extra fiber, protein and omega 3s!
- Dried cranberries: a little chew, tartness and sweetness from dried cranberries is amazing in these bars!
- Cacao powder: I like to use unsweetened cacao powder for rich chocolate flavor and antioxidants, but you can use unsweetened cocoa powder as well.
- Coconut oil: you’ll need a little melted coconut oil to give the brownies moisture.
- Vanilla: some vanilla extract adds lovely flavor to the energy bars. Learn how to make your own vanilla here!
- Sea salt: add a little to the “batter” and sprinkle some on top for sweet and salty goodness.
- Chocolate: I love to drizzle a layer of melted dark chocolate on top because it creates an amazing chocolate shell. SO GOOD.
Customize these brownies
Because these no bake superfood brownies don’t require any baking, I recommend sticking with the recipe ratios as closely as possible so that they hold up well. Here are some easy ways to customize, too:
- For the nuts: feel free to use slightly different ratios of each of the nuts depending on what you have on hand. For example, you can use fewer pistachios and more pecans or walnuts if that’s what’s accessible to you!
- For the cranberries: you can also use dried cherries or get a little fancy with goji berries.
- For the chocolate: feel free to use a vegan and dairy free chocolate bar or chocolate chips, or simply omit the chocolate layer. The bars will still be delicious!
How to make fudgy no bake brownies
- Process the nuts. Start by adding the dates, walnuts, pecans and 1/4 cup of the pistachios to your food processor and process until nice and chunky.
- Form the “batter.” Add the coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, coconut oil and vanilla extract and process everything until the “batter” is slightly clumping. If it’s dry, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water.
- Add mix-ins and shape. Finally, add the rest of the pistachios and dried cranberries and pulse just a few times until the pistachios are a little chunky. Add the mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper and press it in evenly towards the sides of the pan.
- Melt the chocolate. Add your dark chocolate bar or chips to a saucepan and melt over low heat, or melt it in the microwave until smooth.
- Finish & freeze. Pour the melted chocolate all over the bars and tilt the pan so that it creates and even coating. Garnish with some more pistachios, dried cranberries and crushed pecans, then place the bars in the freezer for 20-45 minutes until hardened.
- Serve and devour. I like to sprinkle the tops with Maldon sea salt, then cut into 8 bars and serve!
Storing & freezing tips
- To store: these no bake superfood brownies should be kept covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them. They will stay good in your fridge for about 1 week.
- To freeze: feel free to keep them in a freezer-safe container in your freezer for up to 1 month. If you do keep them in your freezer, be sure to leave them out on the counter for a few minutes before serving so that they soften up a bit.
Recommended tools
See all of our go-to kitchen essentials here!
More no bake treats you’ll love
- Peanut Butter Cup Freezer Fudge
- Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats
- Crispy Toasted Quinoa Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles
- Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
- Vegan No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Get all of our no bake desserts here!
I hope you love these no bake superfood brownies! If you make them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy, xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
No Bake Superfood Brownies
Ingredients
- For the bars:
- 1 cup (173g) packed pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup (28g) raw walnuts
- ¼ cup (28g) raw pecans 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
Instructions
- Add dates, walnuts, pecans, only ¼ cup of pistachios to the bowl of a food processor. Process until chunky.
- Next add in unsweetened shredded coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, coconut oil and vanilla extract. Process again until mixture is chunky and slightly clumping. If mixture is dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water.
- Next add in remaining ¼ cup pistachios and dried cranberries and pulse again a few times until pistachios are slightly chunky. Add mixture into a 8x4 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper, pressing evenly towards the sides of the pan.
- Add dark chocolate to a small saucepan and place over low heat until melted. You can also microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between until chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Pour over the bars, tilting pan so that the chocolate covers the bars evenly. Garnish the bars with 1 tablespoon of the following: chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Place bars in the freezer for 20-45 minutes to harden.
- Once ready to serve, sprinkle with Maldon sea salt then cut into 8 squares. Store safely covered in the freezer for up to 1 month. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on October 31st, 2017, republished with new photos on January 23rd, 2022, and republished on July 31st, 2024.
I literally make this weekly. Thank you for a perfect recipe!
So happy to hear that!
So Good!
These were SO good. Loved the chewy texture. I used a mix of almonds and pecans because it’s what I had on hand. Will definitely be making again and again.
Love it! Such a great weekday treat 🙂
I have made these quite a few times now. One of my favorite go to treats. I like to add freeze dried strawberries instead of cranberries. It is so delicious!
So happy to hear that! Freeze dried strawberries sound amazing!
Where do you purchase freeze dried strawberries 🍓
Okay I gave these a try tonight and substituted the cocoa powder for 3 scoops of legion Dutch chocolate protein powder instead to increase the protein on them more (about 14g of protein per brownie with that). I had to add about 3-4 tbsp more of water with the protein powder substitute, BUT these turned out absolutely amazing! I’m so excited I found this and can’t wait to keep making it! Definitely a no guilt sweet treat!
Perfect! Great way to get more protein in!
Where did you purchase the Dutch Chocolate protein powder 🤔
My husband and I are always looking for healthy meals and healthy dessert:treat to have with our lunch and afternoon tea with friends . I came cross your zucchini banana muffins which Wd absolutely loved… in fact the next day I made another batch to put in our freezer. The recipe was easy to follow healthy ingredients and SO very moist and chewy with the nuts , i book marked a couple of dinner low carb recipes to try . Thank you
Amazing! Glad you enjoyed!
I want the banana muffin recipe 😋 where may I find it 😋
These were a hit even with people who don’t like “healthy desserts”. I used pumpkin seeds instead lieu of pistachios and dried cherries. I omitted the coconut oil.
So happy to hear that!
Thanks for posting this recipe. These are amazing! I made them into balls with a medium scoop. They taste better than Bearded Brothers bars.
Great idea! Glad you loved them!
These are a wonderful snack! I make them on repeat for my husband and myself. They are full of gorgeous, healthy ingredients, taste amazing, and store really well. Thank you!
So happy to hear that!
Is there anyway to omit the dried fruit? I desperately want to make these but I have an intolerance to dried fruit
Unfortunately, the medjool dates are what hold the bars together, so I can’t recommend a sub for those!
Typically I love these recipes but this one a miss for everyone. They just made a nasty mess everywhere. We tried the water to get them to stick better but they still didn’t. They also just tasted like dates and nuts not brownies.
Sorry to hear that! Did the texture feel overly dry?
Why wouldn’t these last more than a month in the freezer? I’m pregnant with my third and want to get as much prepped/frozen before baby comes as I can.
They may just lose a bit flavor but they’ll still be fine to eat!
I was wondering if you think it would work to use raisins instead of dates? Thank you!
Hmm I’m afraid the raisins might not be “sticky” enough, but let me know if you give it a try!
Great – grandkids loved them
I’m so glad!
I make these all the time now
A friend shared this with me and it’s SO good! I can’t wait to make more to keep on hand. Do I need to use raw? Will it make a big difference if I just use a regular package of pecans and walnuts? Thanks so much!
So easy and delicious!
I never review recipe but oh. Mah Gawd. These superfood brownies are roll your eyes back in your head good! I would argue even better than brownies with flour that make you feel sluggish afterwards. These don’t do that. Absolute perfection. 🤌
So good!! Glad you loved them!
These are amazingly delicious! I doubled the recipe and after hand chopping the dates and using a small ninja mixer to chop the nuts, I used my KitchenAid mixer to blend everything together as I don’t own a food processor. The “brownies” turned out soooo good and I will definitely make these over and over again! Thank you for an excellent recipe!
Amazing! Glad you loved them!
I would love to make these bars. However, my daughter-in-law is allergic to coconut, so I don’t make anything that required it. Can I substitute butter or margarine in this recipe for the coconut oil?
Yes! Feel free to use regular butter or vegan butter.
I was in such a hurry to try these I forgot to add the flaky salt on top when they came out of the freezer! 🤦♀️ Absolutely rich and delicious all the same. 😋 I had cranberries on hand, so that’s what I used, but I’d love to try with dried cherries next.
I just randomly came across this and I had some dates that I needed to use, These were amazing!!! I have a HUGE sweet tooth and I am always trying to come up with healthy chocolate tasting stuff.These taste sooo wonderful!!
I am a huge fan! Cant wait to try some of your other stuff!
Love it! Glad you found these!
I changed it up a little, making them into bite sized balls on wax paper, then using no sugar dark chocolate chips instead of cacao . Melted the coconut oil, chocolate and maple syrup and poured it over the “superfood balls” and refrigerated. They are to die for. I also added some coconut to the base. Seriously fantastic. More of a truffle now but delicious. Thank you for the recipe
Great idea! Glad you enjoyed!
These are. so good! All nutritious ingredients, and I love just about any recipe with dates. It was very easy to put together. I cut into 18 small squares for a small after-dinner bite, and we keep a few small squares in the fridge for quick snacks, with the remainder in the freezer to keep fresh. Thank you for a great healthy snack recipe!
Amazing! Glad you enjoyed!
These are SO DELICIOUS!!! They are the perfect amount of sweetness. I reduced the amount of pistachios and added raw pumpkin seeds. I am making two more batches for my daughters’ college freezers!
These are SO DELICIOUS!!! They are the perfect amount of sweetness. I reduced the amount of pistachios and added raw pumpkin seeds. I am making two more batches for my daughters’ college freezers!
Amazing! Glad they’re a hit!
Obsessed with these brownies is an understatement. If I could eat these everyday, it still wouldn’t be enough. It came together super easy and I was able to source the ingredients at my local TJ’s. I took 5 mins to roast the nuts and omitted the cranberries and absolutely superb!
The ratios and flavors are spot on. We passed on adding the melted chocolate with the pretty toppings. We mixed it all together and my toddler (2) and mother (76) loved it. It was more smooth than chunky. I felt like I was eating something fancier than a Larabar. For the second batch we added 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds. While we couldn’t tell any difference, I liked we were adding some more protein.
Thank you! We will be referring to this recipe often.
Amazing! Glad they were a hit!
I’m obsessed with this recipe. It’s my ‘go to’ for new mum food drop offs, road snacks, potlucks, work events….you name it. I change out the nuts with whatever I have on hand and it’s always amazing. Thank you for an amazing, healthy recipe!
Love that! These are great for customizing and make the perfect snack or treat 🙂
There are so many of your recipes I haven’t made because I don’t have a food processor. Do you think I can make this in a blender?
Hi! You might be able to get away with using a high powered blender but do so carefully as the ingredients are pretty tough to blend up well. Let me know if you give it a try!