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Batch of Raw Vegan Brownies cut into squares and topped with walnuts
4.88 from 120 votes

No-Bake Vegan Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

Simple, raw vegan brownies studded with walnuts and cacao nibs! A 5-ingredient coconut oil chocolate ganache is optional but recommended for a fudgy, decadent finish. A healthier vegan, gluten free dessert!
Author: Minimalist Baker
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 12 (brownies)
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

BROWNIES

  • 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts (divided // as original recipe is written, 1 cup (93 g) + 1/2 cup (47 g) // plus more for topping)
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 2 1/2 cups dates (pitted // if dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes then drain // 2 1/2 cups equal ~15 ounces)
  • 3/4 cup cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp cacao nibs (plus more for topping)
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

GANACHE FROSTING (optional)

  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate (chopped)
  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil (melted // or sub vegan butter)
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup walnuts (as original recipe is written // use 2/3 of the total if altering batch size) and the almonds in food processor and process until finely ground.

  2. Add the cacao powder and sea salt and pulse to combine. Transfer to bowl and set aside.
  3. Add the dates to the food processor and process until small bits remain. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add nut and cocoa mixture back into food processor and while processing, drop small handfuls of the date pieces down into the food processor or blender spout.
  5. Process until a dough consistency is achieved, adding more dates if the mixture does not hold together when squeezed in your hand. You may not use all the dates.
  6. Add the brownie mixture to a small parchment lined 8x8 dish (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) and before pressing, add remaining 1/2 cup roughly chopped walnuts (as original recipe is written // use remaining 1/3 of walnuts if altering batch size) and cacao nibs and toss to combine and evenly distribute. Then press down with hands until it is flat and firm. I like laying down a piece of plastic wrap to prevent sticking and get it really flat.
  7. Lift parchment paper to remove brownies from dish and use hands to slightly squeeze in the sides to create a smaller square - this will make the brownies slightly thicker and more dense.

  8. Transfer back to dish and place in freezer or fridge to chill for 10-15 minutes before cutting into 12 (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) even squares (If adding ganache, slice afterwards!).

  9. FOR THE GANACHE: Add almond milk to a mixing bowl and microwave for 45 seconds or until very warm. Alternatively, heat in a small saucepan until just simmering, then transfer to mixing bowl.
  10. Immediately add chocolate to warm milk and loosely cover. Don’t touch for 2 minutes so it can melt.
  11. Add salt and stir gently with a wooden spoon to incorporate, then add melted coconut oil and use a whisk to mix. Set in fridge for 10 minutes to thicken.
  12. Remove from fridge and add powdered sugar a little at a time to thicken. Whisk again to combine. If it’s still too thin, add another few Tablespoons powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

  13. Frost brownies generously with frosting and then top with additional raw walnuts and cacao nibs (optional). Slice into 12 even squares (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).

  14. Store brownies in an airtight container to keep fresh. Will keep for 3-4 days at room temperature, or in the freezer for at least 1 month (though best when fresh).

Notes

*Brownies adapted from my 5-minute Vegan Espresso Brownies.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with ganache.

Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 12 brownies)