No-Bake Fudgy Vegan Brownies

So rich and fudgy, you’ll never guess that these no-bake vegan brownies are made from just a few basic ingredients and without any oil or added sugars.
Prep Time20 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Gluten free brownies, Healthier Cosmic Brownies, No-bake brownies, Vegan brownies
Servings: 10 brownies
Calories: 140kcal
Author: Kelli McGrane, MS, RD

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup Medjool dates about 9-10 dates, pitted
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1-2 tablespoons sprinkles optional

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup Medjool dates about 9-10 dates, pitted
  • ½ cup warm water
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon creamy almond butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Place 1 cup of dates and ½ cup of warm water in a bowl or blender and soak for 10 minutes. Line a loaf pan or small baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • While dates are soaking, make brownie base by placing raw cashews in food processor. Pulse until a sand-like texture.
  • Add remaining (non-soakindates, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, pinch salt, vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of water to food processor. Pulse until mixture is quite sticky and moist. Add additional water 1 teaspoon at a time if needed.
  • Spread brownie mixture evenly on bottom of prepared pan and set aside.
  • To make frosting, place soaked dates and the water they soaked in into a high powered blender. Add remaining ¼ cup cocoa powder, almond butter, and salt.
  • Blend on high until creamy.
  • Evenly spread date frosting over brownie mixture and top with sprinkles if using. Place pan in freezer for 20-30 minutes or until set.
  • Remove from freezer and slice into 10 squares. Enjoy immediately or keep in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to serve.

Notes

Nutrition for 1/10 of recipe (not including sprinkles): 140 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 22 g carb, 3 g fiber, 15 g sugar, 3 g protein