Vegan No-Bake Brownies with Dates & Nuts

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Craving something rich, fudgy, and chocolatey—without turning on the oven? These Vegan No-Bake Brownies with Dates & Nuts might be your next obsession. With their chewy texture, natural sweetness, and deep cocoa flavor, they’re the perfect treat to keep stashed in your fridge for those moments when dessert cravings strike.

These brownies are made entirely from wholesome plant-based ingredients and don’t require any baking. Instead, they come together with the sticky magic of Medjool dates, raw nuts, and a good dose of cocoa. They’re gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and so easy to prepare that they practically make themselves.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these no-bake brownies a breeze, you’ll want to gather a few essential tools:

• Food Processor: This is absolutely key. It helps break down the dates and nuts into a sticky dough that binds beautifully. A high-powered food processor makes the process smooth and effortless.
• Rubber Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the processor and later smoothing the brownie mixture into your pan.
• Parchment Paper: Line your baking dish with this to make removal (and cleanup) super easy.
• 8×8-inch Square Pan: The ideal pan size for thick, square brownies. If you prefer thinner ones, you can use a larger pan.
• Knife or Bench Scraper: Once the brownies are set, a sharp knife ensures clean, beautiful cuts.

Each tool plays a role in ensuring that your brownies turn out dense, chewy, and well-formed—without melting or falling apart.

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Ingredients for the Vegan No-Bake Brownies with Dates & Nuts

• Medjool Dates: These act as the natural sweetener and binder. Their sticky texture is what gives these brownies that chewy, fudgy base. Make sure they’re soft and pitted.
• Raw Walnuts: They add a rich nuttiness and healthy fats while keeping the texture slightly crumbly and grounding the sweetness of the dates.
• Raw Almonds: For added crunch and earthy depth. Almonds also provide protein and balance the intense cocoa flavor.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The soul of the brownie. Use high-quality cocoa for a deep, chocolate-forward flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the richness and gives the brownie a warm, rounded aroma.
• Sea Salt: A pinch helps contrast the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
• Optional Add-ins: Chopped dark chocolate, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of almond butter can elevate these brownies into a whole new level of delicious.

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How To Make the Vegan No-Bake Brownies with Dates & Nuts

Step 1: Prep the Dates

Make sure your dates are soft. If they feel dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain. Remove any pits.

Step 2: Pulse the Nuts

In a food processor, pulse the walnuts and almonds until they’re broken down into small, coarse bits. Don’t over-process—you want some texture left.

Step 3: Add the Dates and Flavorings

Add the dates, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor. Blend until everything forms a sticky dough. If it looks dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of water.

Step 4: Press and Set

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press it down firmly using a spatula or your hands. Make sure it’s evenly packed and smooth on top.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Once set, lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment and cut into squares. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

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How to Serve and Store These Vegan No-Bake Brownies

These brownies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy them as a midday energy boost, a post-workout bite, or a dessert alternative that doesn’t spike your sugar levels. For a more elevated treat, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top or drizzle them with melted dark chocolate before chilling.

For storing, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They also freeze beautifully—just wrap them individually and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure the brownies hold their shape?

Use soft, sticky dates and blend until the mixture holds together when pressed. If needed, add a tiny splash of water to help bind.

Can I substitute the nuts?

Absolutely. Pecans, cashews, or hazelnuts can all work well depending on your flavor preferences. Just keep the ratio the same.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

Do I need a food processor?

Yes, it’s essential. Blenders usually don’t handle the thick date-and-nut mixture well. A food processor gives you that ideal texture.

Can I add protein powder?

You can! Replace a few tablespoons of nuts or cocoa powder with your favorite plant-based protein powder. It might change the texture slightly, so you may need to adjust moisture.

What if my dates are too dry?

Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and use. This helps restore their stickiness and makes blending easier.

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Want More No-Bake Dessert Ideas?

You might also like the No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies Recipe for something lighter and fruity. Or go for the Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes with Gooey Marshmallow Center if you’re craving something rich and indulgent.

For a creamy twist, try the No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe. You can also explore Cinnamon Donut Bread for a baked comfort option that still feels simple and homemade.

If you want something vibrant and fruity, the Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes bring a refreshing zing to your dessert rotation.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use almonds or swap them for pecans? Did you go classic or toss in cranberries? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others put their spin on it.

For more sweet vegan creations, follow my daily updates and dessert boards over on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

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