Desserts

No Bake Brownie Balls

Name: No-Bake Brownie Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup nut butter (like almond or peanut butter); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional); Pinch of salt

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These no-bake brownie balls are rich, fudgy bites that taste like a compact brownie rolled into a spoonable treat. They smell of deep cocoa and vanilla, feel dense and slightly chewy, and melt in your mouth with a nutty finish. They take just a few minutes to mix and a short chill to set — perfect for quick snacks, lunchboxes, or a simple dessert. If you’re planning a savory main to pair with them, try these baked chicken ricotta meatballs for a contrasting meal that’s easy to make: baked chicken ricotta meatballs.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (refrigeration to set)
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 small brownie balls
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving — 1 brownie ball)

Calories per serving: 125 kcal
Protein: 3.5 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 2.5 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 45 mg

Why Make This No Bake Brownie Balls

These brownie balls give you the deep chocolate flavor of a brownie without heating the oven. They come together fast, require no special equipment, and are naturally gluten-free when you use almond flour. The texture is dense and fudgy with little bursts of chocolate if you add chips. They’re great for busy nights, quick party platters, or as portable snacks for kids and adults.

How to Make No Bake Brownie Balls

The method is simple: mix dry ingredients, stir in wet ingredients, fold in chips if you like, shape into balls, then chill to set. The result is a compact, chewy bite with pronounced cocoa flavor and a nutty undertone from the almond flour and nut butter.

Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup nut butter (like almond or peanut butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Pinch of salt

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir with a spoon or whisk so the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and there are no lumps of cocoa.

Step 2: Mixing

Add maple syrup, nut butter, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until fully combined and the mixture holds together. If it feels too dry, add 1 teaspoon of water or another small splash of maple syrup. Fold in chocolate chips if desired.

Step 3: Cooking

Scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them between your palms into balls. Place each ball on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. This step needs no heat; it’s about shaping.

Step 4: Finishing

Refrigerate the brownie balls for at least 30 minutes to set. Chilling firms them so they hold shape and the flavors meld. Once set, serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve No Bake Brownie Balls

Serve them straight from the fridge for a firm, fudgy bite or let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for a softer texture. They pair well with a cup of coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or sliced fruit. Arrange them on a dessert board with nuts and dried fruit for parties, or pack a couple in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.

How to Store No Bake Brownie Balls

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer: Freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Tip: If frozen, let sit 10–15 minutes at room temperature before eating for best texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect No Bake Brownie Balls

Measure almond flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling; packed flour can make the mixture too dry.
If your nut butter is very thick, warm it slightly (10 seconds in the microwave) to make mixing easier.
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a darker, less sweet flavor; Dutch-processed will give a smoother, richer taste.
If mixture is too sticky to roll, chill it 10–15 minutes, then roll with slightly damp hands.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
For a smoother texture, pulse the almond flour and cocoa together in a food processor before mixing.

Delicious Variations

Peanut Butter Swirl: Use peanut butter and fold in chopped peanuts for crunch.
Coconut Cocoa: Roll finished balls in shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
Mint Chocolate: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and use mini chips.
Orange Zest: Stir in 1 teaspoon orange zest for a bright citrus note.
Oat Boost: Replace 1/4 cup almond flour with quick oats for a chewier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other flours instead of almond flour?
A: Yes. Substitute with oat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture will shift—oat flour yields a chewier bite, while regular flour will be denser and not gluten-free.

Q: How do I make these less sweet?
A: Reduce the maple syrup to 3 tablespoons and add a little extra nut butter to maintain binding. Taste and adjust as you go.

Q: Can I bake these instead of chilling?
A: These are meant to be no-bake. Baking will dry them out and change the texture. If you want a baked brownie ball, try a recipe designed for baking.

Q: Will these stick to my hands while rolling?
A: They can be sticky. Lightly dampen your hands or chill the mixture briefly before rolling. Rolling quickly and placing balls on parchment helps.

Q: Are these suitable for kids?
A: Yes. They’re made with simple ingredients and can be adjusted to be less sweet. If serving to young children, consider using almond-free nut butter if there are allergy concerns.

Q: Can I make them vegan?
A: Yes. This recipe is already vegan if your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Ensure your nut butter and maple syrup are vegan-friendly.

Q: How do I know when they are set?
A: After 30 minutes in the fridge they should be firm to the touch and hold shape. Longer chilling will make them firmer.

Conclusion

These no-bake brownie balls are quick to make, rich in cocoa flavor, and wonderfully portable — a great treat to whip up when you want chocolate without turning on the oven. For another no-bake twist and a fun dipped version, see this recipe for No Bake Brownie Bites (Dipped In Chocolate!). Give these a try — they’re small, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.