Walnut Date Brownies (Vegan & No-Bake)
These fudgy walnut date brownies are made with wholesome ingredients like walnuts, medjool dates, and cocoa powder for a naturally sweetened dessert that’s vegan, gluten-free, and requires no baking!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts, plus more for topping
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt, optional, for topping
- ¼ cup vegan chocolate chips, optional, for topping
Instructions
- Roast the walnuts (optional): For a deeper, nuttier flavor, preheat the oven to 350°F and spread the walnuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 8 minutes. I always roast my walnuts first because they blend into creamy walnut butter more quickly and develop a richer, nuttier flavor, but if you're short on time, raw walnuts work just fine.
- Make the walnut butter: Transfer the walnuts to a food processor and blend for 3–5 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until a smooth, creamy walnut butter forms.
- Make the brownie mixture: Add the pitted dates, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the food processor with the walnut butter. Blend until a sticky dough forms. You'll know it's ready when you can press the mixture between your fingers and it holds together.
- Press into the pan: Line a loaf pan or a small square container with parchment paper. Press the brownie mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. I like using a loaf pan, then cutting the slab in half and stacking it for extra-thick brownies!
- Add a chocolate topping (optional): Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate over the brownies and sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired. Chill for 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Roasting the walnuts is optional, but I highly recommend it! It brings out their rich, nutty flavor and helps them blend into creamy walnut butter more quickly.
- Use soft medjool dates for the best texture. If your dates are dry or firm, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well before blending.
- Store-bought walnut butter: You can substitute ½ cup walnut butter for the 1 cup walnuts if you don't want to make your own.
- Chocolate topping: The melted chocolate layer is completely optional but adds an extra decadent finish. I like to sprinkle with chopped walnuts and flaky sea salt.
- Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 243kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 98mg, Potassium: 312mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 40IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 49mg, Iron: 2mg
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