These thick, fudgy No Bake Superfood Brownies are packed with walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and dried cranberries, all held together with sweet Medjool dates and rich cacao powder. I first made these on a Sunday afternoon when I was craving something chocolatey but didn't want to turn on the oven, and honestly, they've become my go-to whenever I need a quick energy boost.
If you love easy no-bake treats, you'll also want to try my Greek Honey Pie for another sweet option, or these Cheese Heart Danishes when you're in the mood for something flaky and buttery.
What Are No Bake Superfood Brownies?
These aren't your typical baked No Bake Superfood Brownies. Instead, they're raw energy bars made from a base of Medjool dates, four types of nuts, chia seeds, and cacao powder, all blended together in a food processor. The dates give them natural sweetness and a fudgy texture, while the nuts add crunch and healthy fats. A layer of melted dark chocolate on top makes them look bakery-perfect, and a sprinkle of sea salt brings everything together. They're stored in the freezer, which keeps them firm and ready to grab whenever you need a nutritious snack.
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No Bake Superfood Brownies Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make these rich, fudgy No Bake Superfood Brownies.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Medjool dates: These are the base and natural sweetener, giving the brownies their fudgy, sticky texture. Make sure they're soft and fresh.
- Walnuts: Add a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness and provides healthy omega-3 fats.
- Pecan halves: Bring a buttery richness and a tender crunch to the bars.
- Pistachios: Divided into two portions, these add a pop of green color, a subtle nutty flavor, and a satisfying bite.
- Unsweetened finely shredded coconut: Adds texture and a hint of tropical flavor without making the bars too sweet.
- Chia seeds: These tiny seeds pack in fiber, omega-3s, and help bind everything together naturally.
- Unsweetened cacao powder: Gives the brownies their deep, rich chocolate flavor. You can use cocoa powder if that's what you have.
- Melted virgin coconut oil: Helps the mixture come together and adds a subtle coconut aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop.
- Dried cranberries: Add chewy bursts of tartness. You can swap these for dried cherries or goji berries.
- Warm water: Only needed if your mixture seems too dry and won't clump together.
- Dark chocolate bar: Melted and poured over the top for a glossy, bakery-style finish. Use vegan chocolate if you prefer.
- Chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans for garnish: These make the bars look beautiful and add extra texture.
- Maldon sea salt: A finishing touch that makes the chocolate sing.
How to Make No Bake Superfood Brownies
Here's how to make these No Bake Superfood Brownies simple, delicious bars from start to finish.
Blend the base: Add the dates, walnuts, pecans, and ¼ cup of pistachios to your food processor. Process until the mixture looks chunky and starts to stick together, usually about 1 minute.
Add flavor and texture: Toss in the shredded coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Process again until everything is chunky and slightly clumping. If the mixture feels too dry and won't hold together when you pinch it, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of warm water and pulse again.
Mix in the extras: Add the remaining ¼ cup pistachios and the dried cranberries. Pulse a few times until the pistachios are slightly chunky but not completely broken down. You want some texture.
Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture into a lined 8x4 inch loaf pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it down evenly, making sure it's compact and smooth on top.
Melt the chocolate: In a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments, melt the dark chocolate, stirring in between until it's smooth and glossy.
Pour and spread: Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed bars, tilting the pan gently to cover the surface evenly. It doesn't have to be perfect.
Add the garnish: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans over the melted chocolate while it's still wet.
Freeze until firm: Place the pan in the freezer for 20 to 45 minutes until the chocolate hardens and the bars are firm enough to cut.
Finish and serve: Once the bars are solid, sprinkle a pinch of Maldon sea salt over the top, then cut into 8 squares. Serve cold from the freezer.
Store properly: Keep the bars covered in the freezer for up to 1 month. They taste best when eaten straight from the freezer.
Equipment For No Bake Superfood Brownies
- Food processor: This is essential for breaking down the dates and nuts into a sticky, cohesive mixture.
- 8x4 inch loaf pan: The perfect size for pressing the mixture into neat, thick bars.
- Parchment paper: Line your pan with this to make removing the bars easy and mess-free.
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate topping smoothly.
Substitutions and Variations
Skip the chocolate topping. If you want to keep things even simpler, you can leave off the melted dark chocolate. The No Bake Superfood Brownies will still taste rich and fudgy.
Swap the dried fruit. Use dried cherries, goji berries, or even chopped dried apricots instead of cranberries.
Try different nuts. Almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts work well in place of walnuts or pecans.
Make them nut-free. Replace the nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Add a boost. Stir in a tablespoon of maca powder, hemp seeds, or protein powder for extra nutrition.
Use different extracts. Swap vanilla for almond extract or a hint of peppermint for a fun twist.
How to Store No Bake Superfood Brownies
Freezer storage: Keep these No Bake Superfood Brownies in an airtight container or covered in the pan in the freezer for up to 1 month. They're meant to be eaten frozen.
Fridge storage: You can store them in the fridge for up to 1 week, but they'll be softer and slightly stickier.
Grab-and-go prep: Cut the bars into individual portions and wrap each one in parchment paper, then store them in a freezer bag. This makes them easy to grab for a quick snack.
Serving Suggestions
With a cup of coffee. These No Bake Superfood Brownies pair beautifully with a hot latte or cappuccino in the morning.
As a post-workout snack. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and natural sugars makes them perfect for refueling after a run or workout.
Alongside fresh fruit. Serve them with sliced strawberries or raspberries for a lighter, refreshing contrast.
With a drizzle of almond butter. Add a spoonful of almond or peanut butter on top for extra richness and protein.
If you're looking for more treats to enjoy with these, my Apple Cheesecake Buns are another favorite, or try this Caramel Apple Bark for a sweet, crunchy snack.
Expert Tips
Use soft, fresh dates. If your dates are dry or hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain before using. This makes them easier to blend.
Don't over-process. You want a chunky, textured mixture, not a smooth paste. Stop processing when the mixture just starts to clump together.
Press firmly. When you press the mixture into the pan, really pack it down. This helps the No Bake Superfood Brownies hold together when you cut them.
Let the chocolate set completely. Don't rush the freezing step. If you cut the bars too soon, the chocolate will crack and the bars might crumble.
Taste as you go. If your mixture seems bland, add a pinch more sea salt or a splash more vanilla before pressing it into the pan.
FAQ
What happens if you use milk instead of water in brownie mix?
For traditional baked brownies, using milk instead of water makes them richer and more tender. However, these No Bake Superfood Brownies don't use a mix at all. They're made from whole ingredients like dates, nuts, and cacao powder, so water is only added if the mixture is too dry.
Is it better to use olive oil or vegetable oil for brownies?
For baked brownies, vegetable oil or melted butter works best because it keeps them moist. In these no-bake bars, I use coconut oil because it adds a subtle flavor and helps the mixture bind together when chilled.
What makes brownies fudgy vs cakey?
Fudgy brownies have more fat and less flour, which creates a dense, moist texture. Cakey brownies have more flour and sometimes baking powder, making them lighter and fluffier. These No Bake Superfood Brownies are naturally fudgy because they're made with dates and nuts instead of flour.
How long do brownies stay good for?
Traditional baked brownies last 3 to 4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. These no-bake superfood brownies stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month and should be eaten cold for the best texture.
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Pairing
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No Bake Superfood Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Add dates, walnuts, pecans, and ¼ cup of pistachios to the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is chunky.
- Add shredded coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the food processor. Process again until the mixture is chunky and slightly clumping together. If the mixture is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water.
- Add the remaining ¼ cup pistachios and dried cranberries, pulsing a few times until the pistachios are slightly broken up.
- Transfer the mixture into an 8x4 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Press the mixture evenly toward the edges of the pan to form a compact layer.
- For the topping, add dark chocolate to a small saucepan and heat over low heat until fully melted. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the bars, tilting the pan to ensure even coverage.
- Garnish the bars with chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. sprinkle a little Maldon sea salt on top.
- Place the pan in the freezer for 20-45 minutes to allow the brownies to harden.
- Once ready to serve, cut into 8 squares and enjoy! Store the brownies in the freezer, covered, for up to 1 month.
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