No-Bake Peppermint Protein Brownies

These Peppermint Protein Brownies are an easy, no-bake dessert or snack that is made with nourishing ingredients! They only take a couple of minutes to put together and a few key ingredients. 

No bake brownies are soft and chewy in texture, similar to a protein bar. The flavor is chocolatey and has a hint of peppermint to make them more festive. They can be topped with melted chocolate and crushed candy canes for an extra touch of holiday spirit. 

These are great to make throughout the week as a festive, protein filled snack, or as a healthy dessert! This recipe fits into 1 loaf pan, so you should get about 10 individual brownies after slicing. 

They are vegan, gluten free, and naturally sweetened with dates, making them a great treat to incorporate this Christmas season!

Ingredients 

• Walnuts: these provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, and omega-3s among many other health benefits. They give a crunchy element and flavor to the brownies. You could substitute another type of nut such as almonds or pecans.
• Cashews: provide protein, fiber, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and other benefits. Additionally, you could substitute another type of nut such as almonds or pecans.
• Cocoa Powder (unsweetened): this gives the chocolatey flavor to the no-bake brownies. It also provides antioxidants such as polyphenols which may produce health benefits.
• Medjool Dates: used to provide natural sweetness and hold the brownies together. Blending the dates creates a soft and chewy texture. They provide fiber, antioxidants, natural sugars, and carbohydrates making them a delicious and nutritious component of this recipe. 
• Peppermint Extract: provides flavor to the recipe. 

Equipment

• Measuring cups + spoons
• Food Processor
• Loaf pan with parchment paper
• (optional) bowl for melting chocolate

How to make: step-by-step

Remove the pits from your dates if not already done for you, set aside.

In a large food processor, pour in the walnuts, cashews, and cocoa powder and blend until the nuts have broken down into smaller pieces. 

Add the pitted dates and peppermint extract to the mixture and blend until the dates have broken down and dispersed throughout the mixture. This should be a crumbly texture that sticks together when pressed between your fingers. 

If it is not sticking together you could add 1-2 more dates. 

Pour the brownie mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Press it into the pan and flatten using the back of a measuring cup or spoon. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to solidify.

(optional) Melt about ¼ cup chocolate chips with 1 tsp coconut oil in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time. Drizzle over the no-bake brownies and top with crushed candy canes. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden. Slice into individual pieces and enjoy!

(If using candy canes, try to find one that is free from artificial colors)

Serving and Storage

Slice into individual brownie pieces, you should get about 10, and serve on a platter. Additionally, you could top with drizzled melted chocolate and crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch!

Store these no-bake brownies in the loaf pan with a covering or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If making these in advance or in bulk, you could freeze them before or after slicing. They should last for up to 2 weeks in the freezer or several months frozen. 

“For a child is born to us,

a son is given to us.

The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6