No-Bake Caramel Brownies – Elavegan

by he on 22. March, 2023 | 45 comments. This post may contain affiliate links*. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Make decadent, fudgy, rich, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth caramel brownies with a healthy twist for this no-bake, gluten-free, vegan caramel bar recipe!

Rich and Fudgy No-Bake Caramel Brownies

If there is an option available for me to lighten a dessert, I will do it. I have already shared vegan and gluten-free recipes Black Bean Brownies, Chickpea BrowniesAnd Sweet Potato BrowniesBut now I’m taking on my biggest challenge yet with these rich caramel brownies!

Similar to vegan millionaire bars, this caramel brownie recipe pairs dense and fudgy no-bake brownie layers with a coconut milk-based caramel sauce and rich melted chocolate topping.

For these caramel bars, I share a healthier caramel version with more healthy and nutritious ingredients like dates in the recipe notes. The recipe is also 100% no-bake and freezer friendly!

But don’t worry, they still taste super decadent and delightful! Making them great for satisfying your sweet tooth the healthy way without feeling like you’re missing out.

Looking for more no-bake treats? You might enjoy my homemade No-Bake Granola Bars, Protein bars, Chocolate Coconut CupOr even crowd-pleasing No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake.

material

No bake brownie layer

• Date: Sticky dates are a key ingredient in these Fuzzy No-Bake Mini Brownies. Medjool dates work well. If the dates are a little dry, soak them in boiling water until soft. You can use another sticky dried fruit like dried figs.
• Vanilla: Use natural vanilla extract or vanilla beans for best flavor.
• Hemp seeds: Use golden or brown hemp seeds. I buy them whole to grind at home, but you can use 65g of ground flaxseed (make sure they’re fresh so they don’t smell or taste bitter). Chia seeds can also work.
• Cocoa without sugar: Cacao powder will also work but has a more bitter taste.
• Powdered Peanut Butter: It acts as a binding batter in these gluten-free brownies. Alternatively, use almond flour. For a nut-free version, use finely ground sunflower seeds.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Caramel layer

• Coconut Milk: Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest caramel.
• Maple Syrup: or another liquid sweetener such as agave, brown rice syrup, or date syrup.
• Sugarcane: A small amount enhances the overall flavor of the caramel (brown sugar also works). You can try coconut sugar if you prefer.
• Nut Butter: or other nut/seed butters (such as almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butters).
• Salt: Just a pinch. Add more for a more pronounced salted caramel brownie.

chocolate layer

• chocolate: Use your favorite dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips or Chocolate bar (cut). Use sugar-free chocolate if preferred.
• coconut the oil: It provides chocolate layers with a rich, smooth, melt-in-the-mouth mouthfeel and creates a slightly softer chocolate layer.

Read the recipe card below for this Full ingredient list, Measurements, full recipe method, and nutrition information.

How to Make Caramel Brownies

To prepare this caramel brownie recipe, the tasks are divided into three groups, preparing each layer and finally assembling it in super-simple steps.

Brownie layer

• First, process whole hemp seeds into a flour consistency in a coffee/spice grinder or small blender jug.
• Then, blend all the dry ingredients in a food processor before adding the dates and vanilla extract.
• Process again until it forms a dough that sticks together when pressed between your fingers. This may take several minutes. If it’s still too dry, add more dates or a little more maple syrup.
• Next, line a 6-inch square baking pan (double the recipe for an 8- or 9-inch pan) with lightly greased parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both sides. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish, pressing it into an even layer.

Caramel layer

• Transfer the caramel ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
• Pour the caramel layer over the brownie base and transfer to the fridge for 30 minutes.

Alternatively, make a healthy date caramel sauce. Full ingredient amounts and instructions are noted on the recipe card.

chocolate layer

• Use a warm water bath or double boiler (a bowl set over a pan of simmering water) to melt the chocolate and coconut oil. Stir until smooth and melted.
• Pour it over the caramel layer and return to the fridge for 5 minutes.

Finally, cut the vegan brownies into bars (best to use a hot knife), and enjoy!

Storage instructions

shop: You can store Vegan Millionaire Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

freeze: Flash-freeze in a baking tray (leaving space in between) until firm. Then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months. Then, when you want one, let it thaw on the counter for about 20 minutes and enjoy!

Recipe notes and tips

• For the thick caramel sauce: Continue to simmer it for longer, so that it reduces and thickens. Cane and brown sugar thicken the caramel more than coconut sugar.
• Make sure hemp seeds are fresh: They can go bad quickly, especially when purchased pre-ground. To make sure they are fresh, smell and taste. They don’t have to be bitter.
• Leave to sit: Preparing them the night before gives time to meld the flavors of the better-tasting caramel no-bake mini brownies.
• Optional add-in: Add a small amount of instant coffee/espresso powder to the brownie layer to enhance the chocolate flavor. You can add chopped nuts (walnuts/pecans) and/or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for crunch and heart-healthy fats.

If you try this no-bake vegan caramel brownie recipe, I’d love one Comment and ★★★★★ Recipe rating Down below. Also, please don’t forget Tag me in a re-creation on Instagram or Facebook with @ellavegan And #Elvegan– I love to see them.

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