Easy & healthy no-bake walnut protein brownies made with dates, walnuts, protein powder, & cacao with a simple chocolate protein frosting. Vegan, gluten-free, & dairy-free!
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Question! Do you guys have any plans for Valentine’s Day?! It’s Michael and I’s first Valentine’s Day as husband and wife and we have zero plans at the moment. Except I want to make some kind of dessert. And what would be easier than a no bake walnut protein brownie?! Nothing that I can think of ha!
But really I’m thinking it’s going to be a laid back night with an easy dinner and maybe start a new series on Netflix now that we finished You (so good, but so creepy). We never really do much on Valentine’s Day – Michael has made dinner a few years, but that is about it. We are celebrating this weekend though! It is our 3 month wedding anniversary so we want to do something fun. Plans to be decided 😋
But let’t to this recipe! An easy, no bake, raw walnut protein brownie! Y’all know I don’t bake, although I have been working on it (kind of), so this is the next best thing to a warm and gooey brownie. They definitely fill the need of the brownie craving and you don’t have to turn on your oven! You only need a food processor and about 10 minutes. These walnut protein brownies are rich and decedent, while being a healthy dessert or snack at the the same time. I added some protein for some extra nutritional benefits too! It’s a win win!
How to Make No Bake Walnut Protein Brownies
This recipe is just as easy as it sounds – it’s a no bake raw brownie! The main two ingredients are dates and walnuts, which when processed in your food processor with a few other ingredients, make a rich and nutty raw brownie. You only need 9 basic ingredients and in 10 minutes you will have walnut protein brownies! Here is what you need:
- walnuts
- dates
- chocolate protein powder – I used Ka’Chava
- cacao powder
- almond milk
- maple syrup
- cinnamon
- coconut oil
- salt
First you add the dates and walnuts to your food processor and pulse until they are brown down – you still want texture to it as you will be adding in more things. Then add the cacao, maple syrup, protein powder, almond milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until combined, but still has some texture (see picture above). You want a texture that is sticky and will hold together when you press it together. Line a small 7×5 glass dish with parchment paper and press mixture into the bottom in a single layer.
Now the fun part, making the icing!! Did you know you could make icing from protein powder with only a few ingredients?! It’s so good and so easy!! The icing is definitely optional, but who doesn’t love icing on a brownie!?! To make the chocolate protein icing, just mix together the protein powder, almond milk, coconut oil, and cinnamon. You should be left with a thick, but spreadable, consistency.
Then you just spread it all over the walnut brownies and let it set for a few minutes (or eat right away cause they are that good)!
Can I use a different kind of Nut?
Yes! While I haven’t tried it, I would think that pecans would be the best substitute. You could try almonds or cashews as well!
Can I use a different kind of Protein Powder?
I have only tried this recipe using Ka’Chava Chocolate Protein Powder. While I think another kind of vegan protein (maybe even whey) would work, I can’t be certain. Ka’Chava has a thicker consistency which helps bind the ingredients together. It also makes a delicious frosting. If you are looking to try it, use this link to save 15% off your first order – I love and use the chocolate and vanilla on the regular!
I hope y’all enjoy these walnut brownies as much as we did! Michael and I ate them up so fast and he isn’t even a huge chocolate fan! If you are looking for a healthy treat that is EASY to whip up, these should be it. Each one only has 5g of fat, 13 grams of carbs, and 4g of protein! Make them to fill a sweet craving or whip them up on Sunday during meal prep to have on hand during the week. They store in the fridge for a week, or you can freeze them!
Enjoy!
More Vegan Desserts
No Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars
No Bake Walnut Protein Brownies
ingredients
No Bake Walnut Protein Brownies
- 1 cup dates (120 grams)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 scoops Ka'Chava Chocolate Protein Powder (1/2 cup, packed)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- cinnamon for sprinkling
Chocolate Protein Frosting
- 1 scoop Ka'Chava Chocolate Protein Powder (1/4 cup, packed)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
instructions
- Place the dates in a food processor or high speed blender and pulse a few times until broken down into pieces. Add remaining ingredients blend until evenly combined (but still some texture). It should be a little sticky when touched. If needed, add a little bit more liquid to help it come together (it will depend on how juicy your dates were).
- Line a 7x5 glass baking dish with parchment paper and add mixture. Press dough firmly into dish with your hands until dough is evenly distributed. Set aside.
- Make the frosting. Add all ingredients into a small bowl and mix until well combined. Using a spatula, spread evenly over brownies. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Place in the fridge to let set for 10-15 minutes. Cut into 12 bite size pieces and enjoy!
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Your healthy raw vegan brownies are a big hit with us! They are the first raw dessert we really have enjoyed! I love that protein powder is in the recipe and that you list the nutrition info! The icing is amazing and I will use it for other deserts as well! Thank you Kelly, for teaching me that I can enjoy whole foods and healthy desserts too!! You continue to inspire me and I look forward to every post! Nancy, Easton, Pa, @salvagegoodseaston
Yay, so happy to hear that Nancy!! I love a good healthy sweet treat and I’m glad you guys enjoyed them as well. Thank you so much for the kind words too, happy to have you here 😊
It looks very yummy.
Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe with us.
Happy to share Fiona! Hope you give them a try 😊
Make them for me when we come down
You got it! Can’t wait!