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These no bake brownies are thick, fudgy, gooey, and need just 4 ingredients to make! No flour, no raw eggs, and no butter needed, they are a healthier dessert that takes less than five minutes to make!
As someone who loves brownies, if I can enjoy them with minimal effort, I’m a fan.
Sure, a batch of freshly baked brownies is always good, but sometimes you want something quick and easy. If I don’t make my microwave brownies or protein brownie mug cake, I love whipping up no bake cocoa brownies.
Why this recipe for no bake brownies work
- 4 ingredients. Almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and frosting- that is it!
- No flour, eggs, or grains. Unlike traditional brownies, neither of these typical ingredients are needed.
- Ready in 5 minutes. From prep to plate,
- Secretly healthy. 100% naturally sweetened and no butter or oil needed.
What I love about these brownies is just how GOOD they taste and how similar to brownies they are. Think about your favorite brownie batter– they are gooey, fudgy, yet firm enough to be stable at room temperature.
How to make no bake brownies
The Ingredients.
- Almond butter– Smooth and drippy almond butter with no added sugar or salt.
- Maple syrup– Adds sweetness with no clear maple flavor. You can also use agave nectar or honey.
- Cocoa powder– 100% unsweetened and dutch processed. For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Chocolate frosting– Either a healthy frosting or a 2 ingredient chocolate frosting.
The Instructions.
Prepare the brownie batter: In a mixing bowl, add the almond butter, maple syrup, and cocoa powder and mix.
Add the frosting: Transfer the batter into a lined pan. Add the frosting on top.
Let it set: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Tips for success
- If your brownie batter is too thin, add more cocoa powder. If it is too thick, add more maple syrup.
- Any chocolate frosting can be used, including store bought options!
- You must allow at least 30 minutes for the brownies to firm up. If possible, allow several hours for optimum the texture.
Dietary and flavor variations
- Lower the carbs. Make this a keto friendly dessert by swapping out the maple syrup for keto maple syrup. For the frosting, try a keto frosting.
- Make them firmer. If you’d prefer a thicker brownie, add some oat flour or almond flour to the batter.
- Swap out the almond butter. Use peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter.
- Use a different sweetener. Agave nectar and honey are both fantastic alternatives.
- Omit the frosting. These raw brownies taste just as delicious with no frosting.
Storing and freezing instructions
- To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to two weeks.
- To freeze: Place the brownies in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to six months.
More brownie recipes to try
Frequently Asked Questions
For nut free brownies, use tahini or sunflower seed butter instead of the almond butter.
Most raw brownies call for dates, but not these.
For a richer flavor, add chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or some coconut flakes.
No Bake Brownies (4 Ingredients!)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Line a square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your almond butter, maple syrup, and cocoa powder and mix well.
- Transfer the batter into the lined pan and press down and smooth out. Add your frosting on top and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove the no bake brownies from the refrigerator and slice and serve.
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! 🙂
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 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?
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 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!
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
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 🙂
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!
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.
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 🙂
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! 🙂
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!
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!!
I love the no bake chocolate for breakfast or any time!!
That’s what I like to hear 🙂