Introduction

These no bake superfood brownies are a delicious and healthy treat packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. They offer a rich, chocolatey flavor without any baking, making them perfect for a quick and nutritious snack.

A close-up view of square chocolate bars with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly texture in a light brown color, the middle layer is dark chocolate with a smooth, glossy texture, and the top layer is a rich, glossy dark chocolate sprinkled with roughly chopped green pistachios, dried red cranberries, and bits of nuts, with small flakes of sea salt scattered on top. The bars rest on crinkled white parchment paper that shows a slight texture contrast, and parts of other bars can be seen around the main piece. The whole scene is set on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (173g) packed pitted Medjool dates
¼ cup (28g) raw walnuts
¼ cup (28g) raw pecans halves
½ cup (28g) shelled pistachios, divided
¼ cup (21g) unsweetened finely shredded coconut
1 tablespoon chia seeds
3 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
1 tablespoon melted virgin coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup (30g) dried cranberries (or dried cherries or goji berries)
1 tablespoon warm water, if necessary
2 ounces dark chocolate bar (vegan, if desired)
1 tablespoon shelled chopped pistachios (for garnish)
1 tablespoon dried cranberries, cherries, or goji berries (for garnish)
1 tablespoon chopped pecans (for garnish)
Maldon sea salt, for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Step 1: Add the dates, walnuts, pecans, and ¼ cup of the pistachios to the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is chunky.
Step 2: Add the shredded coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process again until the mixture becomes chunky and starts to clump together. If the mixture feels dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water.
Step 3: Add the remaining ¼ cup pistachios and dried cranberries, then pulse a few times until the pistachios are slightly chunky.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture into an 8×4 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Press it evenly toward the sides and bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Melt the dark chocolate either by placing it in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth.
Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate over the bars, tilting the pan so it covers evenly. Garnish with chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
Step 7: Place the pan in the freezer for 20-45 minutes to allow the bars to harden.
Step 8: Once set, sprinkle the tops with Maldon sea salt and cut into 8 squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use your favorite dried fruit such as cherries or goji berries instead of cranberries to vary the flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter bar, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey to the mixture.
For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts and pecans with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Be sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together better after chilling.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, simply thaw for a few minutes at room temperature or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

A rectangular metal baking pan lined with white parchment paper holds a mixture pressed flat and evenly spread to fill the pan. The mixture is a dark brown color with a coarse texture, speckled with small green, yellow, and beige bits, likely chopped nuts and seeds. The parchment paper extends over the pan’s edges, creating a neat border around the mixture. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth partially visible on the bottom left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts?

Yes, you can substitute the walnuts, pecans, and pistachios with any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as almonds or cashews. Keep the total quantity the same for best results.

Do I need a food processor for this recipe?

A food processor is recommended to achieve the right texture and to combine ingredients well. If you don’t have one, you can finely chop the nuts and dates and mix thoroughly by hand, but the texture may be less smooth and sticky.