Indulge your sweet tooth without the guilt with these No Bake Mint Chocolate Brownie Bars! Perfectly rich and decadently chocolatey, these bars are a delightful treat that will leave you craving more. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this easy recipe that combines the wholesome goodness of dates and walnuts with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. Get ready to dive into a world of flavor that’s both satisfying and healthy—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
- In a food processor, combine pitted dates and walnuts. Pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse, sticky crumble with no large chunks remaining.
- Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, peppermint extract, and salt to the food processor. Blend until the ingredients form a smooth, cohesive dough that holds together when pressed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use clean hands or a spatula to press the dough firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a compact and smooth surface.
- Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning. Continue until chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed brownie base, using a spatula to spread it in a thin, uniform layer.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to allow the bars to set and the chocolate to harden.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best texture, let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Use Fresh Dates: For the best texture and sweetness, opt for fresh, soft Medjool dates. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
- Customize Your Nuts: While walnuts give a great flavor, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or pecans for a unique twist on the recipe.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to ensure they set properly. This will make cutting them into neat squares much easier.
- Melt Chocolate Carefully: When melting the dark chocolate, do so in short intervals to avoid burning. Stirring in between helps achieve that perfect glossy finish.
- Add Toppings: For an extra touch, consider sprinkling crushed peppermint candies or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
- Storage Tips: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, but trust us, they won’t last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
