No Bake Brownies
These raw, fudgy brownies are secretly healthy and PERFECT for breakfast! NO baking required, and they take just 15 minutes!
I am ALL about having chocolate for breakfast and enjoy breakfast bars, chocolate oatmeal and these no bake brownies.
Can you eat raw brownies?
If there is a way for me to have dessert for breakfast, I am ALL for it. These fudgy brownies fit the bill.
Before you skip over this recipe, take note- You CAN eat raw brownies.
See, these no bake brownies contain no eggs, no white flour, and no dairy. They are 100% suitable to be eaten un-baked, or raw. They are also made without dates and topped with a THICK easy 2 ingredient frosting.
Optional, but highly recommended.
Bonus? They are secretly low carb and refined sugar-free.
I’ll be having one for breakfast, I mean…healthy right?
How do healthy no bake brownies taste?
Think about your favorite brownie batter, but thicker. This is what these raw brownies taste like. Sweet, chocolatey and satisfying in one.
Texture-wise, they are gooey, fudgy, dense and smooth in one. It’s like eating a chilled brownie straight from the fridge or freezer!
Want traditional brownies? Try These Flourless Keto Brownies.
No Bake Brownie Ingredients
You only need 5 easy ingredients to make these raw fudgy brownies
- Coconut Flour
- Cocoa Powder
- Almond Butter
- Maple Syrup (keep it keto, by using keto maple syrup)
- Granulated sweetener of choice (or liquid stevia)
- Pumpkin Puree
Coconut flour a thick grain-free flour, that can be enjoyed without baking (in no bake desserts and snacks!). It does not have a strong coconut taste, and a small amount goes a very long way.
The almond butter should be of the smooth/creamy variety. If your almond butter isn’t drippy, it will be hard to mix into the dough. You can easily substitute the almond butter for peanut butter or a nut-free option, like tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Maple syrup (or keto maple syrup) is my favorite liquid sweetener, and it not only provides sweetness, but also holds the bars together. You can also use agave nectar or honey- both are also refined sugar-free options.
You can either use liquid stevia or a sugar-free granulated substitute (like monk fruit sweetener) provides extra sweetness. I prefer liquid stevia, as it ensures a smooth, fudgy texture.
Pumpkin adds moisture and also replaces the need for any added fats. If you don’t follow a low carb or ketogenic diet, you can use mashed sweet potato or banana.
How to make no bake brownies
Making these un-baked brownies is ridiculously fast and easy!
Firstly, in a large mixing bowl, add your dry ingredients and mix well. In a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, heat up your almond butter with your syrup until warm. When it is warm enough, you’ll be able to whisk them together.
Combine the dry and liquid ingredients and mix well. Add the liquid stevia and continue to mix, until a smooth batter remains.
Transfer the batter into the lined pan and spread out using a rubber spatula. Finally, refrigerate the brownies until they are firm, usually around 30 minutes. If desired, add a simple chocolate frosting. I like to melt chocolate chips with full-fat coconut milk to produce a delicious ganache.
Tips to make the BEST No Bake Brownies
- Every brand of coconut flour is different. Some brands tend to have a thicker texture. If your brownie batter is crumbly after all the ingredients have been mixed, it has a thick texture! To combat this, you will need to add some liquid to smooth out the batter. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk, and add more as needed. I prefer using unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
- If you use a granulated sweetener, you SHOULD add some extra liquid, like milk. The granulated sweetener tends to make the batter slightly gritty- Something we DON’T want to happen!
- Be sure to use a good quality cocoa powder. Cheaper brands tend to yield a slightly sour flavor.
- If you don’t have canned pumpkin, fresh works too- Simply steam pumpkin and when soft, mash or blend until smooth.
Craving chocolate? These Brownie Bites taste like fudge!
Can I add protein powder to these brownies?
Amp up the protein power by adding a scoop or two of protein powder into the batter. I recommend using either casein protein powder (gluten-free and low carb), brown rice protein powder (vegan) or paleo protein powder (paleo and keto).
If you DO add protein powder, you MUST add 1/4-1/2 cup of milk of choice. Protein powder adds thickness and texture to the brownies, so extra liquid must be added to compensate.
I have not tried whey protein powder for this recipe- Feel free to experiment and see.
Storing raw brownies
Brownies MUST be stored in the fridge, otherwise, they will spoil. Place sliced brownies in a sealable container, and they will keep fresh for at least 2 weeks.
They are also freezer friendly and you can freeze them to enjoy at later times. Wrap the brownies in parchment paper, and place them in a shallow container or ziplock bag.
To thaw, let sit at room temperature for several hours. They keep well frozen for 6 months.
More healthy desserts for breakfast
- Blueberry Crumble Bars
- Pumpkin Breakfast Brownies
- Strawberry Crumble Cookies
- Blueberry Breakfast Cookies
- Oatmeal Breakfast Bake
Watch the step-by-step video BELOW
Healthy No Bake Brownies
Ingredients
For the brownies
- 1/2 cup coconut flour sifted
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder sifted
- 1/2 cup almond butter I used drippy almond
- 3/4 cup sticky sweetener of choice maple syrup, agave nectar or honey
- 1 serving liquid stevia 5-6 drops
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1-2 tbsp milk of choice * See notes
For the frosting
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 3 tbsp maple syrup can substitute for keto maple syrup
Instructions
- Line a square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your coconut flour and cocoa powder and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, melt your almond butter with your syrup until combined.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Stir through the mashed pumpkin and liquid stevia until fully incorporated and batter is even. If batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or more of milk of choice until a very thick batter is formed.
- Pour batter into the lined baking dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. While no bake brownies are firming up, make your frosting and enjoy.
To make the frosting
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until fully combined and thick.
Notes
Nutrition
That frosting looks insane Arman!
🙂 Thanks, Michele! It’s delicious too!
Do you have the nutrition facts for this recipe? Thank you!
For sure! If you go to myfitnesspal and plug in the ingredients, it will break it down for you 🙂
I’m totally for brownies at any time of day. I had a slice of Nutella pizza at 6am this morning, so I clearly have no objections towards dessert first thing in the morning!
Okay, that sounds delicious!
I am convinced that you are able to read my mind because these are sooooooooo fetch!
🙂 Thanks buddy!
Who said brownies aren’t a breakfast food? 😉 You know I prefer a savory breakfast, but these look pretty darn tasty.
Seriously, you may NOT go into a sweet breakfast mood, I crave savory from you!
I love thick, fudgy brownies. I would eat them for every meal if you let me.
You betcha! These are totally healthy enough!
Brownies (especially fudgy, healthy brownies) are definitely appropriate any time of day. Aaand I’m probably gonna go make the frosting and eat it with a spoon. And then I guess I’ll have to make more to top the brownies. Twist my arm. 😛
Totally, the frosting is so addictive- One reader said she put it on her sandwiches!
I get way too lazy to turn on the oven too! When I want to bake my sweet potatoes, I microwave them instead, hahaha! I’m impatient–seriously! And these brownies–they look perfect!
You should try baking them in the oven, seriously SO delicious and even sweeter!
Dessert for breakfast, heck yeah! These brownies look so fudgey and when topped with that frosting, ugh, so dreamy. It’ll be a quite a miracle if I can actually wait the full 30 minutes for the brownies to set! I’ll definitely have to sneak a few spoonfuls ;).
YESS!!! That’s totally the hard part 😉
Yum! These sound great! As a dietitian, I can’t quite condone the practice of brownies for breakfast, but these sound a heck of a lot more nutritious than lots of stuff marketed as “healthy” breakfast options!
I promise they are totally healthy enough and dietitian approved 😀
These brownies look beyond delicious, and love the frosting! And, you used my favorite flour! 🙂
🙂 YES!!!! Thanks so much, Joanne!
Brownies for breakfast works for me. Although I’m actually into savory breakfasts lately. I’ll switch back to the RIGHT side soon, I’m sure. 🙂 Hope all is well, Arman.
Oooo I need to borrow that savory tooth! Thanks, Ashley 🙂
I’m ALL for making brownies for breakfast happen!! Especially when they look like this 😀
Right? Thanks so much, Sarah!
these look delicious – and so strange that tonight I also saw a chocolate pudding made with sweet potato and that I have a sweet potato in my fridge – I think the universe is trying to send me a message
YES!!!!! Totally sending a message 🙂 Enjoy, Johanna!
Sweet potato is so versatile!
It really is, isn’t it 🙂
WHat size is the scoop? Or rather…how many grams of protein powder? There’s nothing wrong with cocoa for breakfast. I have it errrryday.
Hi Monika, it is 32-34 grams. You only need to use one of the frostings 🙂
ALSO! Did you put two frosting recipes as an option or are we to use both?
I love the no bake chocolate for breakfast or any time!!
That’s what I like to hear 🙂
Now this sounds like my way to snack! But here’s the thing…I don’t love chocolate in the morning. (Yes, I am also the Grinch, and I stole Christmas.) But as a mid-afternoon snack? I’d be all over these!!
So I had to chuckle at this: ” While no bake brownies are firming up, make your frosting and enjoy. ” So you make the frosting and enjoy it while the brownies are firming up…and then I guess you make more to replace that frosting you enjoyed while waiting! LOL ah soooo love that…I can get off on enjoying frosting independently from the brownies themselves! Yup I can … and even at breakfast…
I think you’d enjoy them, Carine!
I have made these twice – one with the fewest ingredients and once with 3 or 4 I think. You have a few varieties so am going to have to try all of them soon. LOL But I have refrained from making the frosting since I would not stop at one if they had frosting! And believe me, my body does not more calories (even from healthy frosting) will be ingesting! I do love frosting! VERY MUCH! 🙂
Do you think these would do well using sunflower butter?
Hi Carrie- Absolutely! The only thing you’ll need to watch for is the color will be a little off 🙂
Hi. I am loving your site! I just started working out and changing my eating habits. I am wondering if you ever give the macros for your recipes. I am trying to keep track of mine and it would be helpful?
Hi Jen! For sure! 🙂 If you add the ingredients into a calorie calculator, it will provide it for you 🙂 Hope you enjoy these!
Can you recommend one?
myfitnesspal.com is a good one. It even imports recipes from the internet so you don’t have to type in the ingredients.
Can’t wait to try these! Thanks for the recipe! I may add ground up toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra healthy boost! 🙂 Yummmm!
Oh yum- Love that addition, Sarah!
Brownie for breakfast? Don’t mind if I do!! I am currently between breakfast foods, so I might have to give this a try! I will also try it as a healthy dessert for my daughter but I will have to try sunflower seed butter in place if the almond butter. Unfortunately I end up using my oven a lot even in the summer months, because I just can’t seem to give up/replace baking/baked goods. So no bake recipes like this are just what I need!
🙂 so glad to hear that, Hayley! It works with sunflower seed butter, it will just come out a little lighter and if it’s unsweetened, I’d add a little granulated sweetener if you guys prefer very sweet foods 🙂
I LOVE a brownie with coffee for breakfast. I’m so happy to have discovered your recipe; and happier still that I have all the necessary ingredients to make it (except the optional protein powder). You suggested a small, deep baking dish. I have an 8 x 8. Is that too big, you think? The only thing I have smaller is a loaf pan.
Oh, and I loved the fetch reference, lol!:D
I am so excited to try these. Is the cocoa raw cocoa powder?
Hi, Antoinette! You can use any cocoa powder you have on hand- I used a store bought kind!
If I don’t have a sweet potato or pumpkin can leave it out? Or will that throw off the texture?
Hi Tricia, you will need to include that- It keeps them together.
I know they wouldn’t be considered paleo if I sub the coconut flour out, but I’m intolerant to coconut. Can I sub another gluten free flour in?
These look fabulous. Sorry if already answered but can I use raw cacao powder instead of the cocoa powder or will that make them slightly bitter?
Hi Desley! You sure can- I’d taste the batter to make sure it’s sweet enough. I’d actually prefer the raw cacao powder, as I love the bitter, dark taste! 🙂
I just made these this morning and all I can say is amazing! I used mocha protein powder and added some vanilla and walnuts to the batter…just like a regular brownie but better for you! Thank you so much Arman for the recipe! #thebigmansworld
Hi Michael! Cheers for the feedback and for trying it out- Appreciate it! 🙂
Making these finally after way too long! 🙂 Thanks Arman. Brownies for breakfast just sounds so good.
I have no qualms with eating brownies for breakfast! But I a feeling these would be an all day affair! Thanks for such an amazing recipe. I can’t wait to try them and to poke around your site to find more wonderful things to eat! Good on ya, mate! 😉
😀 You are the best, mate! hahahaha cheers!
Is there anything else I can sub for sweet potatoes or pumpkin? I can’t stand neither of those 🙁
Hi Anastasia- Absolutely! Swap it out for an equal amount of mashed banana.
Great, thank you!
Looks dangerously delicious! What can I sub for coconut flour if I don’t have it? Thanks.
Hi Jazel! You can increase the oat flour until a thick batter is formed.
Someone else asked but I didn’t see the answer – What size pan do you consider small?
8 x 8, 9 x 9, 7 x 11? I’ve used all of these for baking brownies, but the cooking times vary.
Thanks.
Hi Davette! An 8 x 8 inch is best, for thicker brownies!
I just made these and they are THE BEST brownies I have EVER tried. I’m blown away. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. Very quick and easy!
😀 Thank you so much for your kind words, Alyssa! 🙂
What size pan do you use for these?
Can I just use sweet pototoes from a can?
Absolutely 🙂
Hi, I’m following you on Instagram, your recipes are delicious but I’m missing the nutritional info of each recipe.
Hi Thanasis! For sure- If you go to myfitnesspal or another calorie calculator, it will provide it all for you! Enjoy!
The only nut butter I had was tahini, and it came out really good. I didnt even need the icing. This recipe is brilliant since I’m obsessed with experimenting making “healthy desserts” and I like really doughy brownies anyway. When I make baked brownies, I’m the kind of person that bakes it for half the time recommended (and use half the amount of sugar!) so thank you for this, its even better. I used vanilla stevia sweet drops and needed even less maple syrup, for those of you other low-GI folk
This recipe is Incredible! I loved how simple it was , used all whole food ingredients and I didn’t have to turn on oven. The best part? They taste amazing! I will never have to crave “real” brownies again. You nailed it! Thank you Arman! Did I mention I rarely write reviews? This recipe deserves it. Big wow factor with little effort.
😀 Thank you SO much, Lori!
Can you use anything besides the pure maple syrup or honey? These have 36 g of sugar per serving ? Just wondering if the sweetener needs to be in liquid form?
You can use agave, brown rice syrup or monk fruit sweetened maple syrup.
would you happen to know the macros for this? someone asked me what the carbs were?
Thanks!
Sure thing! If you go to myfitnesspal and plug in the ingredients, it will provide it for you! Enjoy!
Oh my goodness, I just made these and my eyes literally rolled back when I took a bite! I just went vegan recently and the first thing I started craving was a brownie. Your recipe caught my eye and oh boy, was it a good choice! Thanks so much for this recipe, I’ll definitely be trying your other ones!
😀 Aw cheers!
What size pan is this?
Is it possible for you to add the nutritional values and total calories to each on your delicious recipes? This would help many who count these values.
Thanks love your recipes and the fantastic Outcomes!
Sure, I’ve started to! Older ones, you can easily calculate it yourself using myfitnesspal or similar 🙂
Thank you – it is valuable needed info.??
Seriously these are the best brownies ever! Who said healthy couldn’t be delicious? I would’ve taken a pic to share but sadly they have already been devoured! Sooo decadent and tasty
You are too sweet!