Name: Healthy Caramel Pecan Brownies (No-Bake, Vegan)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the brownie base:; 1 ½ cups pitted Medjool dates; 1 ½ cups walnuts or almonds; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; Pinch of salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the caramel layer:; 1 cup pitted Medjool dates; ½ cup nut butter (almond or peanut butter); 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt; For the topping:; ½ cup chopped pecans; Optional: drizzle of melted dark chocolate or sprinkle of flaky sea salt

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Healthy Caramel Pecan Brownies are rich, fudgy, and naturally sweetened with dates—no oven required. These no-bake vegan treats have a dense chocolate base, gooey caramel made from wholesome ingredients, and crunchy pecans on top. They’re indulgent enough to satisfy my dessert cravings, but made with nourishing ingredients that leave me feeling good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me the decadent texture and taste of a brownie without refined sugar, dairy, or flour. The base is made with nuts and dates, the caramel is naturally sweet and creamy, and the pecans add that perfect nutty crunch. It’s the kind of dessert I can whip up in one bowl, freeze to set, and enjoy straight from the fridge when I want something sweet and healthy.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownie base:

Medjool dates, pitted
Walnuts or almonds
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
Vanilla extract

For the caramel layer:

Medjool dates
Nut butter (like almond or peanut butter)
Coconut oil
Vanilla extract
Sea salt

For the topping:

Chopped pecans
Optional: drizzle of melted dark chocolate or sprinkle of flaky salt

directions

I line a small square pan (about 8×8 inch) with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a food processor, I blend the walnuts, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla until crumbly.
I add in the dates and process again until the mixture sticks together like dough.
I press the brownie base firmly into the bottom of the pan and chill while I make the caramel.
For the caramel, I blend dates, nut butter, coconut oil, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. I add a splash of warm water if needed to get the right texture.
I spread the caramel layer evenly over the brownie base.
I sprinkle chopped pecans over the top and press them gently into the caramel.
I freeze the pan for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Once set, I lift the bars out, slice them into squares, and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 small bars. It takes 15 minutes to prep and about 1 hour to set in the freezer, so they’re ready in under 90 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add hemp seeds or chia seeds to the base for extra nutrition. I’ve also made the caramel layer with tahini for a slightly more savory twist. When I want a more dessert-like finish, I drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top or press a few mini vegan chocolate chips into the caramel layer before freezing.

storage/reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month or in the fridge for up to 1 week. They’re best eaten chilled or slightly thawed—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts for the base?

Yes, I’ve made these with almonds, pecans, and even a mix of seeds. Walnuts are my favorite for texture and richness.

Do I need a food processor?

Yes, a food processor works best to get the base and caramel smooth. A high-speed blender can work too, but it takes a bit more patience.

Are these bars very sweet?

They’re naturally sweet from the dates, but not overly sugary. If I want more sweetness, I add a touch of maple syrup to the caramel.

Can I make these nut-free?

Yes, I use sunflower seed butter and swap the nuts in the base for sunflower seeds or oats. The flavor changes slightly but it still works.

How do I keep the layers from sticking?

I line the pan well with parchment paper and keep the bars chilled. That keeps everything clean and easy to slice.

Conclusion

Healthy Caramel Pecan Brownies are one of my favorite no-bake treats when I want something rich, chewy, and full of flavor—without compromising on ingredients. They’re vegan, gluten-free, naturally sweet, and absolutely delicious. Whether I need a quick snack or a freezer-friendly dessert, these bars never disappoint.