No Bake Caramel Brownies Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan)

For all the caramel lovers out there, these no bake caramel brownies are everything you’ve been dreaming of! Made with just a handful of healthy ingredients, they combine the rich, chocolatey flavor of a fudgy brownie with the irresistible sweetness of gooey salted caramel. 

The delicious brownie bottom is perfectly complemented by the melt-in-your-mouth caramel, making these the perfect brownies for your chocolate cravings. Whether you're a die-hard caramel lover or just craving vegan brownies, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorite brownie recipes. Plus, these homemade brownies are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and free of refined sugar – so you can indulge guilt-free!

If you love this, then you need to check out my other no bake recipes like my Vegan Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars, or no-bake recipes such as No Bake Cookie Dough Cups​.

Ingredients

Brownies:

• pitted medjool dates
• walnuts
• hazelnuts
• cocoa powder

Salted Caramel:

• almond butter
• pure maple syrup
• almond milk
• coconut oil
• sea salt
• flaky salt (for topping)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Brownie:

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor you reach a brownie dough consistency. Press down into prepared pan lined with parchment paper.

Salted Caramel:

1. Stir together all ingredients until smooth and pour over top of brownie layer. Place in the freezer to firm (about 1hr.)
2. Once set, sprinkle top of the brownies with flaky sea salt, slice into 10-12 squares and enjoy! Best stored in the freezer.

Notes: Use soft, pitted Medjool dates for this recipe. If your dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes, drain, and continue with the recipe.

Substitutions

• Walnuts/Hazelnuts - you can also use all walnuts or all hazelnuts if you prefer. Both will work great for this recipe!
• Cocoa Powder - cacao powder can also be used for the brownie batter in a 1:1 ratio
• Almond Butter - If you don't have almond butter, you can substitute tahini or peanut butter for the caramel sauce
• Almond milk - any non dairy milk can be used instead 

Equipment

• Sharp Knife 
• Loaf Pan
• Food Processor
• Parchment Paper

How To Store Vegan Caramel Brownies

To store these brownies, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For optimal texture, I love freezing them! To freeze, wrap each brownie individually with plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften.

3 Top Tips For Success

1. Use soft Medjool dates -- their sweet, caramel-like flavor is perfect for this caramel recipe. If your dates aren’t soft and gooey, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before using.
2. Line your pan with flaps of parchment paper to easily lift out and slice into individual squares.
3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer - I love the texture of these when stored in the freezer. They're also the perfect snacks to have stored away for whenever that sweet tooth craving hits!

FAQs

Related

Food Safety

• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

📖 Recipe