No-Bake Brownies Recipe

Try These Fudgy No-Bake Brownies Recipe for Chocolatey Bliss

Indulgent no-bake brownies offer a delightful twist on traditional chocolate desserts without the hassle of heating up your kitchen.

Craving something rich and decadent that comes together in minutes?

These sweet squares promise intense flavor and satisfying texture through clever ingredient combinations.

Compact and convenient, this recipe eliminates complicated baking steps while delivering maximum chocolate satisfaction.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the smooth, fudgy consistency that emerges from simple mixing techniques.

Smart home cooks know these treats can be whipped up faster than brewing a cup of coffee.

The magic happens when quality ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Nutty, Crunchy, or Fruity No-Bake Brownie Variations to Try

  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Incorporate chopped almonds or walnuts into the brownie mixture for added texture and depth of flavor. Sprinkle extra nuts on top of the chocolate layer for a satisfying crunch.
  • Espresso Chocolate Boost: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder with the cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate's richness and add a subtle coffee undertone. Top with a light dusting of espresso powder for extra intensity.
  • Berry Swirl Sensation: Gently fold in a few tablespoons of pureed raspberries or strawberries into the cashew mixture before adding dry ingredients. Create a marbled effect by swirling the berry puree through the top chocolate layer for a fruity chocolate experience.
  • Salted Caramel Dream: Drizzle homemade or store-bought sugar-free caramel sauce over the chocolate topping before chilling. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to create a perfect sweet-salty contrast that elevates the brownie's flavor profile.

No-Bake Brownies That Bring the Fudge Without the Oven

  • Whip Up Guilt-Free Indulgence: These no-bake brownies offer a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, packed with nutritious ingredients like cashews and almond flour without sacrificing rich chocolate flavor.
  • Savor Creamy Chocolate Bliss: The smooth cashew base creates an incredibly velvety texture that melts in your mouth, delivering intense chocolatey goodness without turning on the oven.
  • Master Effortless Dessert Preparation: With simple blending and chilling techniques, even novice bakers can create restaurant-worthy brownies in under two hours, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen equipment.

Pantry Staples That Power No-Bake Brownies

Base Ingredients:
  • Cashews: Creamy base that provides rich texture and nutty flavor, best when raw and unsalted.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that adds depth and smoothness, choose pure maple syrup for best results.
  • Almond Flour: Gluten-free flour that helps create a dense brownie texture, fine-ground works best.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor, opt for unsweetened dark cocoa powder.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Coconut Oil: Creates smooth chocolate layer, use refined for neutral taste or unrefined for coconut flavor.
  • Additional Cocoa Powder: Enhances chocolate topping's richness, same recommendation as base cocoa powder.
  • Additional Maple Syrup: Balances chocolate topping's bitterness, ensures glossy finish.
Optional Ingredient:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps activate cashews during soaking, use sea salt or kosher salt.

Quick Instructions for No-Bake Brownies with Big Impact

Step 1: Prepare Cashew Base

Gather raw cashews and soak them in cool water for 8-12 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly. This softens the cashews for smooth blending.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cashew Mixture

Place soaked cashews in a high-speed blender. Add:
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until ultra-smooth and creamy, creating a silky paste.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine in a mixing bowl:
  • Almond flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Pinch of sea salt

Fold into the cashew mixture until a thick, rich dough forms.

Step 4: Shape Brownie Layer

Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the pan, creating a smooth surface. Use the back of a spoon to flatten.

Step 5: Whip Up Chocolate Drizzle

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted coconut oil
  • Cocoa powder
  • Maple syrup

Stir until glossy and completely combined.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Topping

Pour the chocolate mixture over the cashew base. Gently tilt the pan to ensure even coverage. Tap the pan to remove any air bubbles.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm. The squares should be solid but not rock-hard.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Remove from refrigerator. Lift out the entire block using parchment paper. Cut into square pieces using a sharp knife warmed under hot water.

Step 9: Store Delicious Treats

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before serving.

Tips for Rich, Dense, and Satisfying No-Bake Brownies

  • Soak Smartly: Use warm water when soaking cashews to speed up softening and reduce overall soaking time.
  • Blend Thoroughly: Ensure cashews are completely smooth to prevent grainy texture in the final brownie mixture.
  • Check Consistency: The dough should be thick and hold together easily; add more almond flour if too wet or maple syrup if too dry.
  • Cut Cleanly: Wipe the knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut to create perfect, smooth brownie edges.
  • Chill Perfectly: Allow brownies to set completely in the refrigerator before cutting to maintain their shape and achieve the best texture.

Store No-Bake Brownies Without Melting or Drying Out

  • Refrigerate: Transfer brownies to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Thaw: Remove brownies from the freezer and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. For a quick serving, let them rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

Cold Sips and Sweet Sides for No-Bake Brownies

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, chocolatey brownies with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which enhances the deep cocoa flavors and cuts through the dessert's sweetness.
  • Match with Cold Brew Coffee: Serve alongside a chilled cold brew coffee to amplify the chocolate notes and provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, creamy brownie texture.
  • Elevate with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the brownies with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that elevates the dessert's overall experience.
  • Garnish with Toasted Almonds: Sprinkle some crunchy, toasted almond slivers on top to add a nutty dimension and textural complexity that complements the smooth brownie base.
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No-Bake Brownies Recipe

No-Bake Brownies Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent no-bake brownies promise rich chocolate bliss without turning on the oven. Creamy layers of nutty goodness and velvety chocolate create a quick dessert that satisfies sweet cravings with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (142.5 g / 5 oz) almond flour, finely ground
  • 1 ½ cups (205.5 g / 7.2 oz) cashews
  • ½ cup (54 g / 2 oz) cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) maple syrup
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) coconut oil, melted

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) maple syrup
  • ½ cup (54 g / 2 oz) cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Submerge raw cashews in water overnight, adding a pinch of salt to enhance softening and neutralize enzyme inhibitors. Drain and rinse thoroughly after soaking.
  2. Transform softened cashews into a silky, creamy base by blending with maple syrup until achieving a smooth, thick consistency. Consider using cashew butter as an alternative if blending equipment is unavailable.
  3. Incorporate almond flour and cocoa powder into the cashew mixture, gently folding or processing until a dense, uniform dough forms. Ensure complete integration of dry ingredients for consistent texture.
  4. Line a compact baking dish with parchment paper, then carefully spread the brownie mixture into a uniform, compact layer. Use gentle pressure to create an even surface.
  5. Craft a glossy chocolate topping by whisking melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, and maple syrup until achieving a seamless, glossy finish.
  6. Cascade the chocolate mixture over the prepared base, employing smooth, deliberate movements to distribute evenly. Gently tap the dish to eliminate potential air pockets.
  7. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for approximately one hour, allowing the brownies to set and solidify completely.
  8. Once firm, extract the brownies using parchment paper edges. Slice into precise squares using a knife heated under hot water for clean, smooth cuts.
  9. Preserve remaining brownies in a sealed container within the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For extended storage, freeze up to three months, allowing gradual thawing in the refrigerator before serving.

Notes

  • Soak cashews overnight to create a creamy, smooth base that blends perfectly and breaks down hard-to-digest enzyme inhibitors.
  • Choose high-quality cocoa powder for rich, intense chocolate flavor that elevates these no-bake brownies beyond ordinary desserts.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting, ensuring picture-perfect brownie squares every single time.
  • Warm knife technique prevents crumbling and creates professional-looking slices with smooth chocolate coating.
  • Refrigeration is crucial for setting the texture and developing deeper flavor profiles, transforming liquid ingredients into decadent dessert squares.
  • Freezing extends shelf life up to 3 months, making these brownies an excellent make-ahead treat for unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 288
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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