Date brownies were the very first dessert that I made when I first started making no bake snacks and treats. They also helped inspire the name of this blog and many date-sweetened desserts that followed!

These protein brownies are every chocoholic’s dream come true – and like me you will want to make them over and over (and over) again. Made with just a handful of good-for-you ingredients, they taste like a rich, fudgy brownie that will melt in your mouth!!

Made using plant-based wholesome ingredients, a lot of which may already live in your pantry. They are also naturally gluten-free and grain-free. Using ingredients like nut butter and dates keeps these brownies rich and moist without eggs, butter, or oil. Plus, there’s no risk of burning your brownies with this simple recipe, being no bake, the food processor pretty much does all the work for you. No oven needed for these delish brownies, and you will be shocked at just how healthy they are!

The brownie layer is made from a walnut, date, cocoa base which creates the chewy and fudgy texture that we all crave in a brownie! They are then layered with a delicious chocolate nut butter ganache that is ooey gooey in all the best ways!

This recipe is an ideal treat that is perfect for placating your sweet tooth when you are on a healthier eating kick. Don’t get me wrong, these brownies aren’t diet food. They are, however, made out of nutrient-dense ingredients such as walnuts, oats, coconut cream, nut butter and naturally sweet dates and are a healthy and balanced dessert or treat.

Back to these brownies….I know I say this… every single time I make them, but – these are the best brownies I have ever made or eaten. I mean it, they literally tick every single box. They are terribly indulgent and sinfully decadent. They really have it all, the luscious fudgy texture, the intense chocolate flavour, packed full of nutrients, easy to make and taste so yummy! And to top it off, can you believe a healthy “to-die-for” chocolate ganache frosting, creamy, rich and made with 3 simple ingredients!

This fabulous recipe is ultra-rich, fudgy, and chewy just like the kind you buy at the store but oh so much better, without truckloads of refined sugar and no weird artificial flavours and preservatives. So much healthier and with way better taste and texture than anything you can ever buy in a boxed mix or at a store.

Healthier than your average treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients, and with the added protein powder it makes them more balanced than the traditional high carb recipe. Old fashioned baked recipes always had tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way it to add protein making the recipe more macro (protein, carbs and fats) balanced and healthy.

Keep some in your fridge to eat with any dessert or simply eat it them on their own. Leftovers (if there are leftovers… how could there possibly be leftovers?!) can stay out for a few days, making these brownies a fantastic option to keep in the fridge for a dessert or any time snack.

Enjoy one of these amazing brownies by itself or pair it with a scoop of ice cream for an even more drool-worthy treat! No matter when or where you plan on serving these brownies, everyone will LOVE them.

Walnut Protein Brownies With Coconut Cream Frosting

These fudgy date protein brownies are made with simple ingredients, without flour or refined sugar. With a creamy chocolate-y ganache topping, they are rich, decadent and incredibly delicious!

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating dessert or snack, healthy protein brownies no bake, no bake chocolate protein brownies, walnut protein brownies, walnut protein brownies with coconut cream frosting

Servings 16

Ingredients

Brownie Base

• 2 cups walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache Frosting

• 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup almond (or any nut or seed) butter

Instructions

Brownie Base

• Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.

  Line an 8 x 8-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.

  Place walnuts into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, oats, cocoa, protein powder and vanilla extract and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined.

  Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.

  Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

Chocolate Ganache Frosting

• Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.

  Add hardened coconut cream, chocolate chips and almond butter into a small saucepan and gently melt over low heat and stir until a smooth thick sauce forms.

  Pour over brownies and smooth with a spatula. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts.

  Place in the fridge to set for about an hour.

  Once set, slice into 16 bars or more smaller squares.

  Store in fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites