This post has been selected as part of Twinkl's Going Vegan campaign and is featured in the 'Guide to Going Vegan' post.
Raw Vegan Date Brownies are a quick and easy no-bake dessert made with naturally sweet dates, rich cocoa, crunchy walnuts, and creamy peanut butter.
Flourless, gluten-free, and packed with a rich chocolate flavor, these brownies are soft and chewy. They make the perfect snack or treat whenever you crave something sweet yet wholesome and delicious.
For another scrumptious brownie option, check out my fudgy high-protein chickpea brownies.
Raw vegan date brownies are a constant hit in my house-honestly, they vanish faster than I can make them! They never last more than a day.
Whenever a sweet craving hits, and I need something quick, I turn to raw date desserts, such as my chocolate date nut bars, no-bake tahini date cookies, peanut butter-stuffed dates, or homemade date-sweetened Nutella.
But these plant-based brownies are truly special-they're gooey, melt-in-your-mouth, and intensely chocolatey, all without refined sugar.
And if you want to take them to the next level, I highly recommend drizzling them with my simple chocolate sauce and letting it soak in for even more rich, chocolatey goodness.
If you're a fan of the date and walnut combo, you'll love my chocolate date walnut energy balls - the portable, perfect snack.
For more tasty date recipes, try my date banana smoothie or my banana-free date protein shake.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Dates: Use soft, plump dates for the best texture and natural sweetness. I used Mazafati dates, but Medjool or any other variety you have on hand will work just as well.
- Walnuts: Raw, unsalted walnuts add a rich, nutty depth and a slightly crunchy contrast to the fudgy brownies. If you love walnuts, try my chocolate walnut cake next.
- Cocoa powder: Choose natural, unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, pure chocolate flavor.
- Peanut butter: Use unsweetened, creamy peanut butter for a smooth and luscious texture. You can also swap it for almond butter, cashew butter, or even tahini for a unique twist.
- Vanilla extract: A small splash enhances the overall flavor, making the brownies taste even more indulgent.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavour.
- Chocolate sauce (optional): Whip pure maple syrup, cocoa powder, and melted coconut oil for a simple, decadent topping.
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
How To Make Raw Vegan Date Brownies
Step 1: In a food processor or blender, blitz the walnuts, cocoa powder, and salt a few times until combined. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can turn the walnuts into butter.
Step 2: Add the pitted dates, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, then blend until a sticky dough forms, as shown in the picture. The mixture should be thick and soft but not overly sticky.
Step 3: Transfer the brownie dough to an 8-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper. Evenly distribute the mixture and press it firmly using your hands or a spatula to create a smooth, even layer. Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to firm up.
Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the vegan chocolate sauce by whisking together pure maple syrup, cocoa powder, and melted coconut oil until smooth and free of any grittiness.
Step 3: Slice the chilled brownies into squares. Drizzle generously with the vegan chocolate sauce, ensuring it soaks into all sides. Enjoy immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and flaky sea salt before serving.
Storage
Store leftover raw vegan date brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Variations
- Nut-free option: Swap walnuts for sunflower seeds to keep the brownies nut-free while maintaining a delicious texture. Use tahini instead of peanut butter for a nut-free alternative.
- Extra chocolatey: Mix in a handful of vegan chocolate chips or cacao nibs for an extra rich, chocolatey bite.
- Spiced brownies: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of cayenne for a warm, spiced kick
- Coffee chocolate brownies: Mix a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder into the brownie dough for a rich, mocha-like flavor.
Marinela's Tips
- Use soft dates: If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well before blending.
- Don't over-blend the walnuts: Pulse just a few times to avoid turning them into walnut butter.
- Adjust the consistency: If the dough feels too dry, add an extra spoonful of peanut butter; if too sticky, mix in more walnuts.
- Clean cuts: For smooth, even cuts, use a sharp, large knife and wipe it clean between slices.
- Drizzle the sauce generously: Let the chocolate soak into the brownies for extra gooey, chocolatey goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Yes! Almonds, pecans, or cashews work well, or use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Add a little extra peanut butter or a splash of water and blend again until it sticks together.
Yes, cacao powder works as a substitute for cocoa powder.
It's optional but highly recommended for extra fudginess and a richer chocolate taste.
More Date Dessert Recipes
- Chocolate date balls
- Spirulina date energy bites
- Cocoa date balls
- Chocolate avocado pudding with dates
- No-bake peanut butter date balls
- Vegan date paste
- Banana date muffins
📖 Recipe
Raw Vegan Date Brownies With Walnuts
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- 8-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper
- Bowl and whisk for chocolate sauce (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates pitted ( I used 17 dates, see notes)
- 1 + ½ cups walnuts raw
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For chocolate sauce (optional)
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or agave syrup
- ¼ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil melted
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, pulse dry ingredients a few times until combined. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can turn the walnuts into butter.1 + ½ cups walnuts, ⅓ cup cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Add dates, peanut butter, and vanilla. Blend until a sticky dough forms.1 cup dates, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Press dough into an 8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Chill for 1-2 hours.
- Whisk maple syrup, cocoa, and melted coconut oil until smooth.⅓ cup pure maple syrup, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil
- Cut brownies into squares, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and chill for 30 minutes (optional). Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and sea salt.
Notes
- I used 1 cup of packed dates, measured before pitting, which was about 17 dates in total.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- For a nut-free option, replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or shredded coconut, and use tahini instead of peanut butter.
- If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well before blending.
- Pulse the walnuts a few times in the food processor to avoid turning them into walnut butter.
- If the dough feels too dry, add more peanut butter; if too sticky, mix in extra walnuts.
- For smooth cuts, use a large, sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.
- Drizzle the chocolate sauce generously over the brownies to let it soak in for extra chocolatey goodness.
Nutrition
If you try these raw vegan brownies with dates, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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Kayla DiMaggio says
I am loving these chocolate no bake brownies! They are so delicious and easy!
Marinela says
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kayla, thank you for your lovely comment!
Shilpa says
I’m loving this no-bake brownies. Perfect healthy snack especially for the kids. They enjoyed it a lot.
Marinela says
Oh, yes, these are a perfect naturally sweetened dessert for kids. I'm glad they enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your feedback with us Shilpa, I really appreciate it!
Lucy says
This is such a delicious recipe for no bake brownies. I love how you create healthy versions of our favourite foods. This is another recipe which is packed full of healthy nourishing ingredients without compromising on taste or texture. It's a perfect snack or dessert that everyone loves. The chocolate flavour is absolutely delicious. Thank you!
Marinela says
I'm so happy you love my healthy no-bake brownies, Lucy. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, I greatly appreciate it.
Jacqui says
This recipe uses wholesome ingredients, is easy to follow and SO delicious!
Marinela says
Thank you, Jacqui!