Copycat The Big Man’s World No Bake Brownies

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For those who adore rich, chocolatey flavors but could do without the oven preheating, mixing bowls, and waiting anxiously beside the oven window, these no-bake wonders are a dream come true. Made with just a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients, these The Big Man’s World No Bake brownies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also keep things surprisingly light and guilt-free.

How to make The Big Man’s World No Bake Brownies

The Big Man’s World No Bake Brownies are a popular recipe from a food blog called “The Big Man’s World,” run by Arman Liew. These brownies are a healthier, no-bake alternative to traditional brownies, made with ingredients like nuts, cocoa powder, and sweeteners like dates or honey. They’re typically easy to make and require no oven—just mixing and chilling the ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The backbone of any brownie, the cocoa powder gives that deep chocolate flavour we crave.
• Almond Flour: This gluten-free option adds structure to your brownies without the need for baking.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener, maple syrup will bind your ingredients together and add a touch of warmth to the flavor profile.
• Almond Butter: This will add moisture and richness to the brownies. Make sure it’s creamy and unsalted to keep the consistency smooth.
• Optional add-ins or toppings: To add texture and contrast to your brownies, think nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the cocoa powder and almond flour. Add in the maple syrup and almond butter. Stir the mixture until you achieve a thick, chocolatey batter. If you’re adding in any extras, like chopped nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
2. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift out the brownies later.
3. Press the Mixture: Transfer your brownie mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly into an even layer, using the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth the top.
4. Chill Time: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let your brownies chill for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial as it sets the brownies and makes them easier to slice.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper flaps. Cut into squares or bars and serve immediately. For a finishing touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Tips:

• Texture Matters: If your brownie batter is too thick or crumbly, add a bit of maple syrup or almond butter to reach the desired consistency.
• Setting Perfectly: To ensure your brownies hold their shape, chill them for the full recommended time, or even longer if you can resist the temptation.
• Slicing: Use a sharp knife to cut the chilled brownies, and clean the knife between slices for a cleaner cut.
• Storing: Any leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge. If they last that long, they’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days!

What to serve with

Serving The Big Man’s World No Bake Brownies as a standalone treat is always a hit, but pairing them with complementary sides can elevate this delightful dessert to a whole new level of enjoyment. Here are some compelling pairings that will make your no-bake brownie experience even more memorable:

1. Ice Cream: A classic accompaniment, a scoop of creamy ice cream atop a fudgy brownie square is a match made in dessert heaven. Consider classic flavors like vanilla or chocolate for a traditional pairing, or get adventurous with salted caramel or raspberry ripple for a contrast in flavors.

2. Whipped Cream and Berries: Something about the combination of rich chocolate and fresh berries just sings. Top your brownie with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a scattering of fresh berries—strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work beautifully. The lightness of the cream and the tartness of the berries beautifully offset the dense richness of the brownie.

3. Nut Butter Drizzle: For an added layer of nutty goodness, warm some almond or peanut butter until it’s runny, then drizzle it over your brownie squares before serving. This doubles down on the nutty flavor and adds a satisfying, gooey texture.

4. Coffee: While not a side to be served atop your brownie, a strong cup of coffee is a perfect accompaniment to this dessert. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the brownie, making for a sophisticated flavor pairing ideal for an adult dessert.

5. Dessert Wine or Port: If you’re feeling particularly luxurious, pair your no-bake brownies with a glass of dessert wine or port. The wine’s rich, fruity notes complement the deep chocolate flavors, offering a truly indulgent dessert experience.

6. Fresh Mint: Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh mint over your brownies for a simple yet refreshing addition. The mint adds an incredible, bright contrast to the richness of the chocolate, cleansing the palate between bites.

7. Cheese: For those who enjoy sweet and savory combinations, serving a soft, creamy cheese like brie or camembert with your no-bake brownies can be a revelation. The creamy texture and rich taste of the cheese paired with the dense, chocolaty brownie create a sophisticated and unexpected dessert option.

8. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over your no-bake brownies adds a wonderfully gooey texture and deep, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can add a delightful crunchy texture and enhance the flavors even further.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating The Big Man’s World No Bake Brownies can be an adaptable experience, handy for when you’re missing an ingredient or catering to dietary preferences and restrictions. Below are some common substitutes for the base ingredients used in these brownies, ensuring your no-bake dessert is just as delicious with what you have on hand or need to use.

Almonds

Substitutes: Walnuts, pecans, or cashews can be used instead of almonds to achieve a similar texture and richness. For a nut-free version, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Medjool Dates

Substitutes: If you don’t have Medjool dates, you can use other dried fruits like figs or apricots, though you may need to adjust the quantity as these can be sweeter or less sticky than dates. Regular dates can also work; just ensure they are softened by soaking in warm water for a few minutes before blending.

Cocoa Powder

Substitutes: For a different approach, carob powder can be used in place of cocoa powder. It offers a naturally sweet flavor and is caffeine-free. Adjust the quantity to taste, as carob can have a milder flavor.

Maple Syrup

Substitutes: Honey (if not vegan), agave syrup, or golden syrup can replace maple syrup in equal proportions. Each brings its own unique flavor and sweetness level, so you may want to adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

Nut Butter

Substitutes: Any smooth nut butter (like peanut, almond, or cashew butter) can be swapped equally. For a nut-free alternative, tahini or sunflower seed butter are excellent choices, though they might slightly alter the flavor profile of the brownies.

Vanilla Extract

Substitutes: While vanilla extract adds a warm depth of flavor, it can be omitted without a huge impact on the end result. Alternatively, almond extract or a liquor like rum or bourbon can be used but start with half the quantity as these have stronger flavors.

Chocolate Chips

Substitutes: If you don’t have chocolate chips, you can chop up a bar of your favorite chocolate—dark, milk, or even white chocolate. Carob chips can serve as a caffeine-free substitute. Try cacao nibs for a crunchier texture for a unique twist, though they are less sweet.

Sea Salt

Substitutes: Kosher salt can be used instead of sea salt. However, because of its finer grains, you might want to use slightly less to avoid oversalting. Table salt should generally be your last resort, due to its iodine content and finer grains, which could alter the flavor subtly and affect the overall taste balance.

Final Thoughts

There you have it: The Big Man’s World No Bake Brownies, your new go-to treat for when you need a chocolate fix without the hassle of preheating an oven. Enjoy the blissful combination of convenience and indulgence.

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