These paleo and GAPS diet-friendly no-bake banana walnut brownies are perfect for when you’re craving a treat, but it’s still too hot to turn on the oven!
Brownies on the brain.
You probably couldn’t tell by my blog, Instagram account, or Facebook page, but rarely a day goes by when I don’t think about chocolate. You might think I’m making this up, but I’m totally serious. And while most people would just grab a candy bar or piece of chocolate, I can’t. ‘Cause #foodallergyproblems.
Thankfully, though I’d love to have some grab-and-go treats, most of my chocolate cravings need to be satiated by something I make myself. That chocolate could take the form of a piece of cake, a cookie, ice cream, pudding, donuts, or freezer fudge, but it usually takes the form of a brownie. ‘Cause I’m a brownie-lover, friends.
Yep, I could eat brownies all day long. Brownies for breakfast (I actually do this regularly), for a snack, for dessert. And then in between, too.
Cocoa… or carob?
My brownies don’t always have to be chocolate, though. Every now and again I make them with carob powder instead of cocoa. Just to mix things up, and also because my hubby loves carob things.
Plus, if you didn’t know, carob is actually pretty healthy.
Yep! Carob not only contains calcium, it also has antioxidants, and fiber. And even better, it’s caffeine-free and doesn’t have any oxalates! So if you’ve given up chocolate because you can’t handle caffeine, you can make these brownies with carob instead.
No-Bake Banana Walnut Brownies.
Whether you use cocoa powder or carob for these no-bake banana walnut brownies, you’ll love them. And with bananas and walnuts, they’re the perfect food for breakfast! I’ve even added in a little protein boost with some grass-fed, kosher gelatin.
If you can’t do walnuts, I’ve enjoy these with pecans as well, or you can totally leave out the nuts. Whatever floats your brownie boat!
Just FYI, if you do go the carob route, it doesn’t work the best for the frosting. So if you can’t handle any caffeine or chocolate, I’d leave the frosting off. The brownies will still taste delicious!
This recipe makes about 9 large brownies or 36 brownie bites. While my hubby definitely prefers brownies that he can’t eat in half a bite, I love cutting these in to brownie bites. Then I can eat more of them and not feel guilty. Um… I mean, then they’re the perfect size for my kids! 😀
These brownies are on the thin-size, for what my estimation of what a good brownie is. They’re about 1 1/2 inches thick. If you like your brownies thicker, you can spread the batter into a lined bread pan instead. Just note that it won’t make as many brownies as my recipe says it will then.
Alllllso, if you want an extra-decadent brownie/brownie bites, a delicious add-in is some of my homemade honey-sweetened chocolate chunks! If you’re making the carob version of these, use my homemade carob chips instead.
Here are some other delicious carob and/or brownie recipes you’ll love!
- Carob Zucchini Milkshake
- Perfectly Easy Coconut Flour Brownies
- Salted Walnut Butter Blondies
- Personal Pan Dark Chocolate Breakfast Brownie
- Vegan Dark Chocolate Brownies
- Dark Chocolate Mexican Blender Brownies
- Banana Walnut Carob Brownies
- Hot Carob
In the recipe card I’ve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks!
No-Bake Banana Walnut Brownies
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 small bananas
- 1/2 cup nut butter (almond or peanut work well)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 3/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup carob powder (you can mix and match the cocoa/carob here to your liking)
- 1 teaspoon gelatin (I like to use Perfect Supplements)
- dash Himalayan salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, whatever
Instructions
Mix well to form dough.
Press into parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking dish and refrigerate about 1/2 hour.
Frost.
Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
For thicker brownies, use a lined bread pan instead of a 8×8 inch dish.
For an extra-decadent brownie, add in some of my homemade honey-sweetened chocolate chunks or my homemade carob chips!
Chocolate Frosting
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon gelatin
- dash Himalayan salt
- dash vanilla
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Drizzle or spread over chilled brownies.
Return to the fridge for a few minutes so the frosting can set.
What a great idea for these hot months! Can’t wait to try these, Raia!
Thanks, Adrienne! I hope you get to enjoy them. 🙂
I just found your web site and I love your recipes and the Lord. I will be a big fan of your page for sure. I am highly allergic to MSG so I have to watch what I eat. Wendy
Thanks, Wendy! I hope you enjoy the recipes!
Looking so delicious! There is so much I can learn from you when it comes to making desserts 🙂 I can’t even believe there is no baking involved.
Haha! Thanks, Yang. 😉 Healthy desserts are my life-blood. That and pickles… 😉
Such a rich and decadent SIMPLE treat! I can’t wait to try these!
I hope you enjoy them, Renee!
Oh you just stop it. Always tempting me with the chocolate. Actually don’t stop.
Hahaha! Ok, I won’t stop. 😉
WITH the extra chocolate drizzled over the tops, yes please!!! Bring on the chocolate!
Haha!
I’m drooling over these brownies! I love that glaze on top. Seriously gorgeous!
Thank you!
You know I always get excited about your egg-free baked goods!! I love this one and the coconut flour base! Thank you!! Can’t wait to make!
I hope you enjoy them, Megan!
I can’t believe these are no bake, they look incredible. And that chocolate drizzle…dreams come true!
Thank you! 🙂
I am making these brownies. I need to get some gelatin and I’m all set!
They look absolutely decadent!
I hope you enjoy them, Carol! You can leave the gelatin out, if you don’t have any. It just adds a little nutrition, but it doesn’t affect the texture or anything. 🙂
Love all the flavor and color ! So awesome it’s no bake too !
Thank you!
I love how you added walnuts! Such a sweet little dessert, yum!
Thank you!
Do you think I could sub pumpkin or avocado for the banana? I totally want to make these, but I’m a banana-hater.
Hm… It’s totally worth a try! I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. I might try avocado since it doesn’t have as much water in it… Let me know if they work!
I love easy recipes that my kids can make themselves, especially with the added bonus of being healthier.
Yes! I love it, too!
Be still my heart! These look aboslutely amazing – and I actually have all the ingredients on hand. Off to the kitchen!! Thanks for the great recipe!
Haha! I hope you enjoy them!
Wow that fudgy frosting takes these right over the top! I also love they’re made with bananas!
Thanks!
The best brownies are with walnuts, aren’t they ?
Amen! Haha.
I love how easy and clean these are!! Another great recipe, Raia.
Thank you so much, Kiran!
Just sitting here drooling at these photos. These brownies have all the ingredients that I love! Can’t wait to try this one out.
Haha! I hope you enjoy them, Jean. 😉
I love my no bake treats and love chocolate so these are just perfect for me!
Thanks, Hope! I’m right there with you. You can’t get much better than no-bake chocolate stuff!
Could I use normal flour as a sub for the coconut flour? Struggling to find any in shops near me and dying to make these!
I haven’t tried using another kind of flour, but feel free to try! I understand the need for brownies. 😉 Just keep in mind that coconut flour soaks up more moisture than regular flours, so you’ll need more of a regular kind. I hope you’re able to find something that works for you!
I give these brownies 5 stars ! So delicious! I didn’t have gelatin but they turned out perfect. I used walnuts and bananas that were starting to brown. Thank you for this recipe 🙂
You’re so welcome, Jen! Thank so much for coming back and telling me that you enjoyed them!