These 5-Ingredient No-Bake Brownies are the ultimate quick and easy treat—rich, fudgy, and coated in silky dark chocolate. Made with wholesome ingredients like dates, cocoa, and nut butter, they come together in minutes with no oven required.
Whether you’re craving a healthier dessert or need a fuss-free snack to keep in the fridge, these brownie bites hit the sweet spot every time. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making them perfect for almost any lifestyle.
They’re rich, fudgy, slightly chewy, and coated in a glossy layer of dark chocolate—basically, the dream. And the best part? They come together in 20 minutes with just five simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Naturally sweetened with dates and packed with wholesome goodness, these brownie bites taste like an indulgent dessert but are secretly made with real, nourishing ingredients. They’re a brilliant option for after-dinner sweet cravings, lunchbox treats, or those mid-afternoon energy slumps.
Because they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, they’re suitable for a range of dietary needs—without sacrificing flavour or texture. They keep beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you can always have a stash on hand for whenever you need a little chocolate love.
Whether you’re new to healthy desserts or a long-time fan of snack balls and energy bites, these brownie bites are about to become a staple. They’re easy to make, totally customizable, and just the right balance of sweet, rich, and satisfying.
Why you’ll love these No-Bake Brownies:
- Just five simple ingredients—wholesome pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- No baking needed—just blend, shape, chill, and dip in chocolate.
- Naturally sweetened with dates for a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Fudgy, soft, and chewy with a decadent chocolate coating.
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free to suit most dietary needs.
- Perfect for meal prep—store in the fridge or freezer for an easy treat anytime.
- Customizable with your favorite nut butter, a dash of vanilla, or chopped nuts.
- Finished with flaky salt for that irresistible sweet-salty combo.
- Good for your body and soul—deliciously feel-good.
What Makes These No-Bake Brownie Bites Healthy?
Naturally sweetened with nutrient-dense fruit – Dates bring rich, caramel-like sweetness along with fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium—no need for refined sugar or syrups.
Rich in healthy fats and plant-based protein – Nut butter contributes creamy texture and long-lasting energy thanks to its healthy fats and protein content, helping to keep you fuller for longer.
Boosted with whole grains for sustained energy – Oat flour adds fiber and slow-releasing carbohydrates, supporting balanced blood sugar levels and a steady energy release throughout the day.
Loaded with antioxidant-rich chocolatey goodness – Both cocoa powder and dark chocolate deliver deep flavor and powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and support heart health.
Easily adaptable for different dietary needs – Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, these bites can be customized with your preferred nut butter, chocolate type, or even grain-free flour alternatives to suit your lifestyle.
Ingredients Needed:
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make these no-bake brownie bites. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Pitted Dates – Naturally sweet and packed with fiber, dates offer a caramel-like flavor while providing essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. They’re a great way to sweeten desserts without refined sugar.
Oat Flour – Made by blending oats into a fine flour, this whole grain ingredient adds structure while being high in fiber and slow-digesting carbs, keeping you full and energized. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
Cocoa Powder – Rich in antioxidants and iron, unsweetened cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor without added sugar. It also contains mood-boosting compounds like theobromine.
Nut Butter – Adds healthy fats and plant-based protein for sustained energy and a creamy, fudgy texture. Almond, peanut, or cashew butter all work well—opt for natural, unsweetened versions for the healthiest option.
Dark Chocolate – A decadent but nourishing coating, dark chocolate (70% or higher) is full of antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate. Use dairy-free if needed to keep the bites fully vegan.
Optional: Flaky Sea Salt – A pinch of salt inside the mixture enhances the rich chocolate flavor, while a sprinkle on top adds the perfect sweet-salty balance.
Ingredients Substitutions:
Dates – Medjool dates are ideal, but any soft dates will work. If yours are dry, just soak them a little longer.
Oat Flour – You can blend rolled oats into a fine flour yourself. Almond flour also works if you’re grain-free.
Nut Butter – Use peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Cocoa Powder – Raw cacao powder works beautifully, or you can use regular unsweetened cocoa.
Dark Chocolate – Choose a dairy-free brand if needed. You could also skip the coating or drizzle instead of dunking!
Note: Substitutions may affect texture or flavor, so you may need to slightly adjust quantities to maintain the best mousse consistency.
Equipment Needed:
- Food Processor or High-Speed Blender: To blend the dates, oat flour, cocoa, and nut butter into a smooth, sticky dough.
- Mixing Bowl: Useful for holding the melted chocolate or mixing in any optional extras like nuts or vanilla.
- Small Dish or Tray (roughly 20cm x 10cm): To press and shape the brownie mixture into a neat, even slab before slicing.
- Microwave or Double Boiler: For gently melting the dark chocolate until smooth and glossy.
How to make these No-Bake Brownies
Here is a detailed summary of how to make this recipe. I’ve also included some photos, and you can find the recipe video in the recipe card. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Step One:
Soak your pitted dates in boiling water for 5–10 minutes until soft. This helps everything blend easily and creates that fudgy texture.
Step Two:
Drain the dates and pop them into your food processor with the oat flour, cocoa powder, and nut butter. Add a pinch of salt if you like. Blend until smooth and sticky.
Step Three:
Press the mixture into a small lined dish or shape into a rectangle about 20cm x 10cm and 2cm thick. Freeze for about 10 minutes to firm up.
Step Four:
While the mixture is chilling, melt your dark chocolate in the microwave (30-second intervals, stirring in between) or over a double boiler until smooth.
Step Five:
Cut the chilled brownie slab into 10 squares. Dip each square into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off.
Step Six:
Place on a parchment-lined tray, sprinkle with flaky salt, and chill in the fridge until the chocolate sets.
Tips and Notes:
- Use soft, fresh dates: Medjool dates work best, but any soft pitted dates will do. If your dates are dry, soak them a bit longer until they’re squishy.
- Nut butter matters: Runny nut butters (like natural peanut or almond butter) blend more easily and give the bites a smoother texture. Stir well if your nut butter has separated.
- No food processor? A high-speed blender can work, but you may need to scrape down the sides more often and add a tiny splash of water to help it blend.
- Chill before dipping: Freezing the mixture helps it firm up so it’s easier to slice and dip into the chocolate without falling apart.
- Add-ins welcome: Feel free to mix in extras like vanilla extract, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a few cacao nibs for crunch.
- Make it your own: Swap the dark chocolate coating for melted white or dairy-free chocolate, or skip it entirely for a more “raw” feel.
How to store no-bake brownies
Refrigeration: Store the brownie bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fudgy and firm, ready for whenever a sweet craving hits.
Freezing: For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying. They’re delicious when chilled too!
Pro tip: If stacking in a container, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter—all work well. Just make sure it’s smooth and runny for the best texture. You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
What if I don’t have oat flour?
No problem! Just blend rolled oats in a high-speed blender or food processor until they form a fine flour. It works exactly the same.
Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Yes! These bites are delicious on their own. The chocolate adds a decadent touch, but they’re still rich and satisfying without it.
Are these suitable for kids?
Definitely. They’re made with wholesome ingredients and no added refined sugar, making them a great lunchbox or after-school snack.
Do I need a food processor?
It’s the easiest method, but a strong blender can work too. Just be sure to soak the dates well and scrape down the sides as needed.
more no-bake dessert recipes:
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Healthy No-bake Snickers Brownie Cups
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Fudge (made with just 4 ingredients!)
- Easy and Healthy No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
5-ingredient No-Bake Brownies
Equipment
- Food Processor or High-Speed Blender
- Small Dish or Tray (roughly 20cm x 10cm)
- Microwave or Double Boiler
Ingredients
- 200 g Pitted Dates
- 30 g Oat flour (or blended oats)
- 50 g Cocoa Powder
- 70 g Nut Butter
- 100 g Dark Chocolate
Instructions
- Soak the dates in boiling water for at least 5 minutes to soften.
- Drain the dates and add them to a food processor or blender along with the oat flour, cocoa powder, and nut butter. Add a pinch of salt, if desired.
- Blend until smooth and sticky.
- Press the mixture into a small dish, or shape into a rectangle about 20cm x 10cm and 2cm thick.
- Place in the freezer while you melt the chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler.
- Slice the brownies into 10 small squares. Dip each square into the melted dark chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and refrigerate until the chocolate has set.
Video
Notes
Tips & Notes:
- Use soft Medjool dates for the best texture. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain well before using.
- No food processor? You can use a high-speed blender, but pulse in batches and scrape down often.
- Make it nut-free by swapping nuts for sunflower seeds and nut butter for tahini or seed butter.
- Add-ins like chopped dark chocolate, hemp seeds, or shredded coconut make great texture boosts.
- For a mocha twist, add 1–2 tsp instant coffee or a splash of espresso.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Let me know in the comments below if you try these no-bake brownies!
