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    Home / Desserts / Brownies & Bars
    4.6 from 15 reviews

    Hazelnut No-Bake Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}

    By Alanna Taylor-Tobin on Feb 10, 2016 (updated Jul 24, 2023) / 42 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Dates, nuts, and cocoa powder form a fudgy base crowned with creamy coconut maple ganache in these chocolate hazelnut no-bake brownies. These brownies are gluten-free, raw, vegan, and refined sugar-free.

    delicious Hazelnut No-Bake Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}

    Desperate Times Call for Raw Vegan Brownies

    Here's a quick, easy, and endlessly satisfying recipe for über-healthy no-bake brownies that taste like Nutella. I concocted these a couple of years ago during a little mini-cleanse that I did to try to rid myself of some mysterious neck pain. Hoping the cleanse might kick inflammation to the curb, I swore off dairy, processed grains, refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol for a week.

    But rather than feel deprived, I indulged in many new-to-me foods – this dip, a lentil and quinoa salad that we lived off of, lots of fun smoothies, and these little chocolate love bombs.

    nuts on tray
    nuts in blender

    Aside from the newfound ability to move my neck, these no-bake brownies were the best thing to come out of that week. The base is lightly adapted from Minimalist Baker. I based the ganache topping on the swirl in these cheesecakes, with a little almond milk whisked in to keep it extra creamy. I brought them to a rehearsal for a friend's band, where the drummer took one bite and declared, "This is the best... FOOD... I've ever eaten."

    These raw vegan brownies stayed in the back of my mind for a while, and after indulging in a similar hazelnut-based treat at Seed+Salt (which is now sadly closed) with my niece, I knew I had to share the recipe.

    dates in jug
    blender with mix

    How to Make No-Bake Brownies

    These raw, vegan, no-bake brownies come together in a snap with few ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Just grind some nuts with cocoa to a powder, puree some dates, and process the two together to form a firm "dough." Press this mixture into a loaf pan and chill. There are your brownies!

    No-Bake Hazelnut Ganache Brownie mix in pan {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}
    nuts sprinkled on No-Bake Hazelnut Ganache Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}
    No-Bake Hazelnut Ganache Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free} in tin

    Raw Vegan Chocolate Ganache

    To make this raw, vegan ganache, just combine almond milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and vanilla in a medium, heat-proof bowl. Set the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, and whisk until melted and smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly, then pour it over the brownies. After a chill, you'll have a softly set ganache that tastes like magic.

    Hazelnut Raw Vegan Brownies with Ganache {gluten-free} on board

    Healthy Brownies for Everyone

    These healthy, date-sweetened brownies fit into most everyone's diet, be it gluten-, dairy-, grain- sugar-free, or all of the above. One thing it's not free of is flavor. These are every bit as rich and decadent as the most fudgy traditional brownies, with added depth of flavor from toasted hazelnuts, dates, maple syrup and coconut oil. A thick layer of ganache melts into creamy bliss in your mouth, and crunchy cacao nibs and flaky salt form a chunky topping that will have you coming back for more.

    stack of No-Bake Hazelnut Date Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}
    No-Bake Hazelnut Ganache Brownie squares {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}

    More healthy no-bake dessert recipes:

    • no-bake vegan chocolate cheesecake {gluten-free, refined sugar-free}
    • superfood chocolate rice crispy treats {gluten-free, vegan}
    • no-bake chocolate tart {gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, raw}
    • raw vegan chocolate pistachio butter cups
    • no-bake lemon berry coconut cream tart {raw, vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free}
    • no-bake "nutella" cheesecake (vegan, paleo)

    More gluten-free vegan chocolate recipes:

    • vegan & gluten free almond butter chocolate chip cookies with maple and oats
    • baked almond pulp brownies {gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free}
    • gluten-free vegan chocolate cream tart
    • gluten-free vegan chocolate tart with tahini & caramel
    batch of Hazelnut No-Bake Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}

    *Bojon appétit! For more Bojon Gourmet in your life, follow along on Instagram,  Facebook, or Pinterest, purchase my gluten-free cookbook Alternative Baker, or subscribe to receive new posts via email. And if you make these Hazelnut No-Bake Brownies, I’d love to see. Tag your Instagram snaps  @The_Bojon_Gourmet  and  #bojongourmet.*

    Hazelnut No-Bake Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}
    4.60 from 15 reviews

    No-Bake Hazelnut Ganache Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Dates, nuts, and cocoa powder form a fudgy base crowned with creamy coconut maple ganache in these chocolate hazelnut no-bake brownies. These brownies are gluten-free, raw, vegan, and refined sugar-free.
    Alanna Taylor-Tobin
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Chilling time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Total: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 -10 brownies

    Ingredients

    Brownies:

    • ¾ cup whole raw hazelnuts, plus 2 tablespoons (20 g) for topping (110 g)
    • ½ cup raw sliced or whole almonds (50 g)
    • ½ cup natural cocoa powder or raw cacao powder (35 g)
    • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1 cup pitted, slightly packed dates (I use medjool) (230 g)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Ganache:

    • 2 tablespoons almond or hazelnut milk (30 g)
    • ¼ cup extra-virgin coconut oil (55 g)
    • ¼ cup maple syrup (70 g)
    • ¼ cup natural cocoa powder or raw cacao powder (20 g)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Topping:

    • chopped hazelnuts (from above)
    • handful cacao nibs
    • a few pinches of flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • To make the brownies, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spread the hazelnuts on a small, rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden and fragrant, 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely, then rub off as much of the loose skins as want to come off.
    • Place ¾ cup of the hazelnuts in the bowl of a food processor, reserving the rest for garnish, and add the almonds, cocoa powder and salt. Process until finely ground, stopping the processor when the mixture just begins to clump, taking care not to overprocess to a paste. Scrape the nut mixture into a medium bowl and set aside.
    • Add the dates and vanilla to the now-empty food processor and blend to a paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Scrape up the date paste, add the nut mixture, and process until a clumpy dough-like substance forms. Scrape this mixture into a 8x4 or 9x5-inch loaf pan lined with a sling of parchment paper and pack it into an even layer. Chill until needed.
    • To make the ganache, combine the almond milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, cocoa powder and vanilla in a medium, heat-proof bowl. Set the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, and whisk until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly to thicken, whisking occasionally, 5-10 minutes. Pour the ganache over the brownies. Chill in the refrigerator until a bit firmer, 30 minutes. Chop the remaining 2 tablespoons of hazelnuts into large pieces. When the ganache has firmed a bit, sprinkle the hazelnuts, cacao nibs, and flaky salt evenly over the top. Chill until completely firm, 1 hour.
    • Use the parchment handles to lift the brownie out of the pan, and use a chef's knife to cut into 8 or 10 bars.
    • The brownies keep well, refrigerated airtight, for up to 1 week.

    Notes

    These decadent bar cookies come together in no time; do be sure to allow an hour or so for the ganache to set. If your dates aren't fresh and moist, give them a quick soak in enough hot water to cover the little guys, then drain well and proceed with the recipe.
    Brownie base adapted from Minimalist Baker.
    I love the taste of toasted hazelnuts here, but feel free to skip the toasting process for all-raw brownies.
    Nutritional values are based on one of eight brownies.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 48mgPotassium: 430mgFiber: 7gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 0.9mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 2.3mg
    Making this? I'd love to see!Tag your snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet!
    No-Bake Hazelnut Ganache Brownie {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. valentina | sweet kabocha says

      February 10, 2016 at 10:53 pm

      Wow, the ganache seems so creamy! Anyway, I have a really hard time find some hazelnuts - possibly raw and/or organic :/

      Reply
      • Heather - aka Sprittibee says

        February 11, 2016 at 5:32 am

        Oh, man. If only we had dates.

        Reply
      • Lisa Conner says

        February 11, 2016 at 5:36 am

        Little Chocolate love bombs!! Love it, can't wait to make them!

        Reply
        • Alanna says

          February 11, 2016 at 1:27 pm

          Hehe, thanks Lisa!

          Reply
      • Alanna says

        February 11, 2016 at 1:27 pm

        Oh no! I get them at Rainbow co-op here in SF. :)

        Reply
      • Joyce says

        May 19, 2019 at 6:13 pm

        This is DELICIOUS!!! As my husband said "this is a GREAT chocolate delivery vehicle"!
        The decadence of the ganache creaminess combined with the toasted hazelnuts and dates make this one of the most satisfying and healthiest deserts I have made (and I have made a few:))
        Thank you for sharing and all you do.
        Joyce

        Reply
        • Alanna says

          May 20, 2019 at 4:38 pm

          I'm so glad you enjoyed them!

          Reply
    2. Michelle @ Hummingbird High says

      February 11, 2016 at 7:42 am

      Wow, this looks incredible!

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        February 11, 2016 at 1:30 pm

        Thanks!!

        Reply
    3. Christine // my natural kitchen says

      February 11, 2016 at 9:19 am

      As much as I love a good baking project, no-bake treats like this are always my go-to. So absolutely perfect, I can't wait to try your version of the raw brownie and that ganache frosting!

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        February 11, 2016 at 1:28 pm

        Aw, thanks Christine! Pretty sure you'll dig 'em. :)

        Reply
    4. Lily | Kale & Caramel says

      February 11, 2016 at 9:54 am

      Oh hello. I've fallen completely, madly in love with these. On the top of my list to make once I'm done with all of that *ahem* other stuff I have to do ;).

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        February 11, 2016 at 1:28 pm

        Hahahaha. I feel you. <3

        Reply
    5. todd says

      February 11, 2016 at 4:31 pm

      Keep the chocolate coming!! Especially if it looks like this...mmMm!

      Reply
    6. Amanda @ Cookie Named Desire says

      February 11, 2016 at 5:21 pm

      I've tried a few healthy brownie in my life, but none of them looked like, or in any way compare to this. I make a lot of really decadent stuff at home, but I usually give them to family and friends. I like to make something like this for myself when I really want a treat I don't have to feel bad about. These are definitely on my to-make list!

      Reply
    7. Sarah // The Sugar Hit says

      February 11, 2016 at 5:28 pm

      I'm SUCH a sucker for these no-bake brownies. They're unbelievably good. Honestly, the only thing that stops me from making them all the time is that I hate to clean my food processor. With the hazelnuts? Amazing.

      Reply
    8. Alanna @ One Tough Cookie says

      February 11, 2016 at 9:34 pm

      Alannaaaaaaaaaaa! Haha, where was this recipe when I was developing a hazelnut chocolate cake all week?! (Post goes live this weekend, and is gluten-free as an accidental Valentine's present for you!) These brownies look absolutely stunning. I've been swimming in a sea of nonstop chocolate for the past week and I still feel the need to make these this instant. Will report back, mouth full of brownie excellence!
      xoxo

      Reply
    9. Gaby Dalkin says

      February 11, 2016 at 10:58 pm

      You sold me at "ganache" These look killer!!

      Reply
    10. Angela - Patisserie Makes Perfect says

      February 12, 2016 at 4:14 am

      These look wonderful and I love the idea of a no-bake brownie. Hazelnuts are one of my favourite ingredients. You've worked wonders here!

      Reply
    11. Traci | Vanilla And Bean says

      February 12, 2016 at 7:56 am

      I sometimes wonder why I still eat sugar with things like dates, raw cacao, nuts and coconut milk, among others, on the ready. But I guess there's a place for it all and balance is key - or sugar only few and far between. I've recently reduced dairy and the pain in my arm is all but gone! My doc and mom said, it's inflammation! I wonder what would happen if I added dairy back... hummm. I can see why the drummer would declare this is the best food ever! I get it! Thank you for this my dear!

      Reply
    12. Tessa | Salted Plains says

      February 12, 2016 at 7:18 pm

      I love hearing that cutting those things out helped your neck pain. So awesome.

      Speaking of awesome, these sound and look INCREDIBLE!!! xo.

      Reply
    13. Lili says

      February 13, 2016 at 2:39 am

      Dear Alanna, I am so making these!!! I might even make them tomorrow as a little treat for myself for a Valentines Day. They look so delicious and have all the ingredients I love, beautiful photography as always! <3

      Reply
    14. Rachel says

      February 16, 2016 at 5:03 am

      Okay, so you need to understand that there is nothing I love more than hazelnuts. Well, except for ganache and here you are putting the two together in the best looking dessert ever! I definitely want to try these since I have never had a no-bake brownie. They look amazing!

      Rachel
      http://rachelinflight.com

      Reply
    15. Amy @ Thoroughly Nourished Life says

      February 16, 2016 at 5:57 pm

      I just cannot deal with how amazing these look right now. It's lunchtime on Wednesday and my hungry little brain is screaming at me to reach into the computer screen for a bite! I think I know what's on the baking list this weekend. Seriously delicious Alanna.

      Reply
    16. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

      February 18, 2016 at 12:59 pm

      Be still my heart, these brownies are absolutely everything!

      Reply
    17. Erin says

      March 15, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      GREAT post!! These look wonderful! I made raw/vegan/paleo chocolate truffles a similar way and loved them. Even my “non healthy eating” family lives them! Such a great idea.

      Reply
    18. Nicole says

      April 07, 2016 at 4:21 am

      Is there any way to make the ganache without the coconut oil? I'm avoiding oils, but these look awesome.

      Reply
    19. Elz says

      October 15, 2016 at 3:27 pm

      Oh my goodness! Nutty chocolate goodness. Feeling the soul today with this.

      Reply
    20. Chelsey @ Chelsey Crafts says

      October 23, 2016 at 9:10 pm

      The ganache on these yummy brownies looks divine. Adding this recipe to my To Make list!

      Reply
    21. maria says

      December 24, 2016 at 10:28 am

      These brownies are fabulous, but my ganache is always thin, and runny. I've made them twice. Am I doing something wrong?

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        December 27, 2016 at 5:10 pm

        Mine is runny too until it chills. But you could decrease the amount of plant milk or up the cacao powder if you want it thicker.

        Reply
        • Maria says

          December 27, 2016 at 5:33 pm

          Thank you. This last batch, I stirred while it cooled which made it thicken slightly and then poured over the base. It's a fantastic recipe. Thank you!!!

          Reply
    22. Liv says

      November 15, 2017 at 11:20 pm

      oh wow. these are hands down the best brownies I have ever had. they definitely trump baked brownies, thats for sure. thanks for the awesome recipe ! :)

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        November 18, 2017 at 1:19 am

        Yay, I'm so glad you like 'em! Thanks for the sweet note. :)

        Reply
    23. Shalmika Bhat says

      November 26, 2017 at 9:38 am

      Hi, that's some wonderful looking brownie there.. I am so glad I found a ganache recipe sans the heavy cream n sugar. Is there some other nuts that I can use instead of hazelnuts, they are hard to come by in India?

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        November 26, 2017 at 10:10 pm

        Definitely! I think almonds or walnuts would work beautifully too. :)

        Reply
    24. Katherine says

      June 20, 2018 at 10:04 am

      Rich, chocolate goodness, and the recipe is easy enough to make in stages - say, between conference calls. So rich that I cut these into about 30 squares (lost count and a few may, possibly, have fallen into my mouth). As you stated: decadent.

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        June 21, 2018 at 6:19 pm

        I've had that problem before too ;) So glad you love the brownies!

        Reply
    25. Sandra says

      June 20, 2018 at 2:09 pm

      Making these for the 5th Time.... new family favorite!! Amazing recipe!

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        June 21, 2018 at 6:16 pm

        Aw, yay!!

        Reply
    26. Doxa Papachartofyli says

      August 14, 2021 at 6:32 am

      I've made these more than 20 times in the past 3 years. Sometimes I add a tablespoon of peanut butter, always add a splash of vanilla extract, sometimes instead of brownies my daughter rolls them into like little energy balls but every time, boy do they deliver! I don't know how many people have said already "no way these are gluten and dairy free", most recently my very sceptic father-in-laws who claims he could "never like anything vegan" 😅😁

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        August 14, 2021 at 2:31 pm

        Awww thank you so much for the sweet note and rating! I'm *so* glad you and your family love these brownies. It's always the best when people don't believe how allergy-friendly and nourishing a recipe is. Yay!

        Reply

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    I'm Alanna, a recovering pastry chef-turned food photographer, stylist, videographer, and award-winning cookbook author. The Bojon Gourmet is a celebration of the sweet, savory, and occasionally boozy recipes that I create in my San Francisco kitchen. About →

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