Double-Chocolate No-Bake Brownies
From Make Your Own by Javant Benton
While the idea of not baking a brownie may not seem to make sense, trust me, it’s what makes these brownies extra decadent. The chewy, nutty base comes together easily in the food processor, but the real treat here is the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth ganache.
MAKES 16 SQUARES
INGREDIENTS
BROWNIE BASE:
2 cups walnuts
18 medjool dates, pitted
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
GANACHE LAYER:
1 cup unsweetened chocolate chips
1 cup plant milk
1/2 cup date sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
- Line an 8 x 8-inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add the ingredients for the brownie base into a food processor. Process until the mixture comes together to form a thick doughy consistency. The mixture should hold together when you squeeze in your hand.
- Press the brownie base into the lined pan until it is compact and even.
- To melt the chocolate, create a double boiler: Add 2 cups of water to a small pot. Place a glass or stainless-steel pot on top. Set the burner to medium-low heat. Add the chocolate to the bowl and mix it as it melts. Continue to stir the chocolate until it is completely melted and smooth. Turn off the burner. Take care to handle the pot and bowl with care: it will be hot! (You can also microwave the chocolate to melt it.)
- Next, add the plant milk and date sugar to the melted chocolate. Mix well with a whisk until it is nice and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the brownie base. Tap the pan to get the top nice and even.
- Place the pan in the fridge for 1 hour or until the ganache has fully set and cooled.
- Use the parchment paper to remove the brownie base from the pan.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes:
- Store these brownies in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- I find that running a knife under hot water before cutting helps to make nice clean edges.
For more healthy, delicious, plant-based recipes:
Are you looking for a wholesome, healthier way of cooking and eating? On a personal journey to better health? Maybe you’re plant-based, or vegan-curious, trying to escape highly processed meat and dairy substitutes. Whether you’re vegan or not, Javant Benton invites you into his kitchen to share the recipes he wished he had on his own health journey—comfort food classics like lasagna, burgers, cakes, and cookies and staples like creamy vegan mayo and smoky mushroom bacon, recreated as simple, nourishing, flavorful recipes.
Find out how empowering and transformational food can be when you learn how to Make Your Own!