• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Bojon Gourmet logo

  • Recipes
  • About
    • In the Press
    • Learn with Me
    • Work With Me
    • Portfolio
  • Cookbook
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
go to homepage
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Cookbook
  • In the Press
  • Learn with Me
  • Work With Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home / dessert / no-bake dessert / Hazelnut No-Bake Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}

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

    Published Feb 10, 2016

    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}

    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.*

    No-Bake Hazelnut Ganache Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}
    4.34 from 9 votes

    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.
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Chilling time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total: 25 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)

    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}

    You might also like...

    Get new recipes by email

    Please wait...

    Thanks for subscribing!

    the cover of the award-winning cookbook, Alternative Baker

    Hungry for more?

    Alternative Baker celebrates the unique tastes and textures of 14 gluten-free flours, from buckwheat flour to almond flour to sorghum and coconut! This cookbook will fill your kitchen with sweet treats that burst with flavor every month of the year.

    Learn more and find out where to buy →

    Previous Post: « Sparkling Citrus, Lillet & Prosecco Punch
    Next Post: Coconut Curried Chickpeas with Carrots & Cashews {gluten-free, vegan} »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. 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
    2. 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
    3. 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
    4. 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
    5. 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
    « Older Comments

    Leave a comment and rating Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rate this recipe after you've made it:




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome

    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.

    Get new recipes by email

    Please wait...

    Thanks for subscribing!

    the front cover of Alternative Baker, a cookbook by Alanna Taylor-Tobin, winner of the IACP Cookbook Awards

    My cookbook, Alternative Baker, contains 100+ recipes featuring corn, oat, chestnut, almond, buckwheat, sorghum, and other gluten-free flours. Find out where to get your copy! →

    Fresh from the blog

    Grain-Free Banana Bread with Cinnamon, Dates & Walnuts (paleo, vegan & maple-sweetened)

    Dairy Free Gluten Free Carrot Cake

    Dairy Free & Gluten Free Carrot Cake

    Passover Desserts (gluten-free, paleo & vegan)

    Vegan Key Lime Pie (paleo & no-bake)

    Footer

    Instagram

    Fresh on TBG: Cinnamon Date Walnut Banana Bread T Fresh on TBG: Cinnamon Date Walnut Banana Bread

This easy little loaf gets a baklava vibe from sticky dates, toasted nuts, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey if you like. It’s free of grains, dairy, eggs, cane sugar, and can be made nut-free too. I use cassava, almond, and tapioca flours for a sturdy, tender crumb, but I’ve given substitution suggestions in the recipe. If you’ve got a couple of ripe bananas lying around, this is the recipe for you! 

Ingredients:
•nut or seed butter
•maple syrup and/or coconut sugar
•coconut oil or ghee
•plant milk
•flours
•baking powder and soda
•cinnamon
•vanilla
•salt
•toasted walnuts
•dates

Adapted from the chocolate-flecked paleo vegan banana bread recipe I posted last year, I’ve been making this cozy variation lately and loving the flavor-packed combo of spices, nuts, bananas, and dried fruit. 

Find the recipe by tapping the link in my profile, then tapping this image. Or search “banana bread” on #bojongourmet. Or copy/paste the following link into your desktop browser:

https://bojongourmet.com/grain-free-banana-bread-paleo-vegan/

#bananabread #paleobread #veganbread #f52community #f52grams #feedfeedglutenfree #veganbombs #feedfeedvegan
    GF Vegan Rhubarb Crisp
✨
Heading to the in-laws’ this weekend for a pot luck on the deck and to hopefully pilfer some homegrown rhubarb.🤞🏼
✨
This recipe features jammy sweet-tart rhubarb showered in crispy, crunchy, nutty crisp topping. Made with simple ingredients you probably have on hand, vegan if you use vegan butter. Add a handful of berries if you like! 
✨
Get the recipe via the link in my profile by tapping the link, then this picture. Or search “rhubarb crisp” on #bojongourmet. Or copy/paste the following link into your desktop browser:

https://bojongourmet.com/vegan-gluten-free-rhubarb-crisp/
#rhubarbseason #rhubarb #rhubarbcrisp #f52community #f52farmstand #f52grams
    My favorite GF DF carrot cake, now with a nut-free My favorite GF DF carrot cake, now with a nut-free paleo variation!
🥕 
I was craving this fluffy, springy, gently-spiced carrot cake the other day, so I tested a grain-free and naturally-sweetened version. It’s pretty tasty, and it also happens to be kosher for Passover! 
🥕
Now you can make this elevated classic with a gluten-free flour blend (sweet rice, oat, millet, and tapioca flours) or go grain-free with cassava and coconut flours. Either way, this beauty comes together in minutes with one bowl and a spatula, and it bakes up with a pillowy and tender crumb. 
🥕
Make it in a 9-inch round pan for a single layer cake, or double or triple the recipe for more layers. Or use a square or rectangular pan for sheet cake. Gussy it up with rainbow carrot ribbons, or drizzle with maple or honey on top. 
🥕
I’ve linked to my traditional less-sweet cream cheese frosting in the post, as well as a vegan cream cheese frosting recipe that I make with @miyokoscreamery plant-based butter and cream cheese. Or you can go paleo and top it with whipped coconut cream or thick coconut yogurt. Feel free to add any carrot cake mix-ins you like – pineapple, raisins, shredded coconut, or toasted nuts.  
🥕
Find the recipe by tapping the link in my profile, then tapping this image. Or search “carrot cake” on #bojongourmet. Or copy/paste the following link into your desktop browser: 

https://bojongourmet.com/dairy-free-gluten-free-carrot-cake/
#carrotcake #glutenfreecake #paleocake #dairyfreerecipes #feedfeedglutenfree #f52community #f52farmstand
    Fresh on TBG: Passover Desserts (GF, DF, vegan & p Fresh on TBG: Passover Desserts (GF, DF, vegan & paleo options)
✨
While I didn’t grow up in a religious family, I loved putting together this roundup of sweet treats that happen to be kosher for Passover. I don’t know if it’s the pandemic, my age (I’ll be 40 this year!😳) or following such inspiring Jewish foodies (Jewdies?) as @jakecohen, @zenbelly, @whatjewwannaeat, @predominantly_paleo , and @estherandloretta , among others, but I’ve been feeling super nostalgic for Jewish cuisine lately.
✨
Also, I had no idea how complicated the rules of Passover really are! I knew that wheat and yeasted baked goods were strictly verboten, in order to honor the hardship of our people traversing the dessert without time to stop and let their bread rise. But I didn’t realize that certain groups observe stricter rules, avoiding all foods that even *look* like grains, such as beans, legumes, and even cardamom! 
✨
I even asked you all in my stories to weigh in on the heated debate about baking soda and baking powder. Apparently they are *technically* kosher for Passover according to the letter of the law, even though I and many others always thought they were to be avoided. 
✨
Whether you celebrate or not, I hope you go meshuga for these recipes! A few favorites: 

1. GF Vegan Chocolate Tahini Tart
2. Brown Butter Macaroons
3. Vegan Key Lime Pie
4. Paleo Crepes
5. Pot De Creme
6. Almond Poppy Seed Eton Mess
7. No-Bake Brownie Ice Cream Sandos

Find these recipes and more by tapping the link in my profile, then tapping this image. Or search “Passover” on #bojongourmet. Or copy/paste the following link into your desktop browser:

https://bojongourmet.com/passover-desserts-gluten-free-paleo-vegan/

Chag sameach! 

#passover #passover2021 #passoverdesserts #passoverdessert #pesach #passoverrecipes #glutenfreedesserts #paleodessert #vegandessert
    Weekend plans? ✨ I’m craving these GF citrus Weekend plans? 
✨
I’m craving these GF citrus poppy seed almond flour pancakes. Grain-free and dairy-free, they also happen to be kosher for Passover! 
✨
Top them with yogurt, honey, and citrus for a vibrant and nourishing breakfast.
✨
Get the recipe at #bojongourmet, tappable link in my profile:

https://bojongourmet.com/fluffy-almond-flour-pancakes-gluten-free/
✨
#glutenfreepancakes #paleopancakes #dairyfreepancakes #pancakes #f52community #feedfeedglutenfree #f52grams
    Fresh on TBG: Paleo Vegan No-Bake Key Lime Pie ✨ Fresh on TBG: Paleo Vegan No-Bake Key Lime Pie
✨
Pie Day = great holiday or greatest holiday? We’re celebrating with this easy pie recipe that requires no baking. Just whizz everything together in a blender or food processor, then set in the fridge. 
✨
This beauty bursts with bright citrus flavor soothed by luscious coconut for a dessert that will make you feel like you’re lying on a tropical beach. Just the thing for ushering in brighter days!
✨
Ingredients:
•nut & coconut crust
•maple syrup
•vanilla, cinnamon & salt
•lime zest & juice
•soaked cashews
•water or coconut water
•coconut oil
•coconut yogurt, for topping
✨
Find the recipe by tapping the link in my profile, then tapping this image. Or search “lime pie” on #bojongourmet. Or copy/paste the following link into your desktop browser: 
https://bojongourmet.com/vegan-key-lime-pie-paleo/
✨
#keylimepie #pieday #piday

    Navigation

    • Recipe Finder
    • Cookbook
    • About
    • In the Press

    Get new posts in your inbox

    Please wait...

    Thanks for signing up!

    This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. To find out more, see our Privacy Policy.

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    More Bojon

    • Learn with Me
    • Work With Me
    • Portfolio

    Copyright © 2021 The Bojon Gourmet | Site by Jaime Asatsuyu Hammack