Healthy and protein-packed no-bake brownies with hemp seeds topped with a delicious chocolate ganache frosting. Gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free.
I've never met a no-bake recipe I didn't like. (Try saying that sentence a few times, and you'll start wondering if it even makes sense.)
This is very true of today's recipe—rich, chocolate, no-bake brownies with hemp seeds—no oven required. If you've never had hemp seeds before, let me introduce you to the tiny seed with an array of health benefits and a large protein punch.
There's a place here in Kansas City called the Unbakery and Juicery that makes the best raw hemp seed brownies. It's not really on my way home from work, but I often find myself stopping there to get one of those delicious brownies.
I started recreating them at home and finally have a version that I want to share.
Seven ingredients in total and these no-bake brownies are chocked full of not only hemp seeds, but walnuts and dates. A rich chocolate ganache frosting sweetened only with maple syrup means you've got a brownie you can feel pretty darn good about.
No-Bake Brownies with Hemp Seeds
Ingredients
Brownie layer
- 2 ½ cups dates pitted
- ½ cup hulled hemp seeds
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons water plus 1 tsp, if needed
Chocolate Ganache Frosting
- ½ cup maple syrup room temperature
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Grease an 8x8 baking pan with coconut oil. Line with parchment paper.
- Place dates, hemp seeds, walnuts, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, and water into bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, stopping occasionally to wipe down sides.
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press down into pan in an even layer using a piece of parchment. The "batter" will be sticky.
- In a small bowl, combine chocolate ganache frosting ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
- Spread frosting over brownie layer. Place baking pan in freezer for at least two hours until set.
- Remove brownies from pan using parchment flaps and cut into small squares on a cutting board. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Amanda
Next time I won’t use quite as many dates. I only had medjool on hand and the base tastes way too much like dates for me. As I was measuring them out it seemed like way too many! I was right about that.
Elizabeth
I made and really liked these! My 3 year old is obsessed and he’s actually really very picky about chocolate treats (he usually just prefers plain dark chocolate). I added cocoa nibs to the top which provided a really nice crunch. If I make these again I would reduce the maple syrup in the frosting by half. I found it too sweet for my palate which is actually probably why both my son and husband adored them! That frosting would also be super on a cake!
Tessa
Thank you, Elizabeth! So glad everyone enjoyed them. I love the cacao nibs idea!
Kali
Prep Time 10 minutes.?!
I just spent over 2 hours in the kitchen 😂😂😂
Dana
What can I substitute for hemp seeds? I don't have those.
Tessa
Hi Dana! I think you could easily sub with more walnuts, or Subbing in almonds or cashews would be great too.
LateToTheParty
I'm assuming you can substitute almonds or cashews for the walnuts entirely? I just can't wrap my taste buds around walnuts LOL
Tessa
Ha, I understand! Although, I don't think they have a strong walnut flavor, but I like walnuts! :) I think you could sub almonds or cashews for all of the walnuts just fine.
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
If they taste as good as they look, I know I'm in for a treat! Perfect for summer Tessa!
Tessa
Thank you, Mary Ann! They are a cool treat!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
For something this decadent, a diversion is required! No bake and chocolate and healthy - a win win win! Delicious work Tessa... :D
Tessa
Haha, that's what I was thinking! Thank you, Traci!!
Denisse | Le Petit Eats
I love the idea of no-bake brownies for summer! And that frosting- dangerously delicious looking!
Tessa
Thanks, Denisse! The frosting is most definitely dangerous!
Abby @ Heart of a Baker
I'm always always down for a good no bake recipe! I've actually never done no bake brownies, but these are really tempting me to give them a try :) xoxo
Tessa
No-bake is the way to go! ;)
Medha @ Whisk & Shout
These no-bake brownies look incredible, and that frosting sounds wonderful! I have a huge bag of hemp seeds and I just need to get my hands on some dates ASAP so I can make these! Pinning :)
Tessa
Aw, thanks, Medha! I think I could eat the frosting all by itself! :)