It’s snowing outside, my chocolate cravings are at an all-time high, and I’m in no mood to bake. Enter: Lazy Girl 3-Ingredient No Bake Brownies. This recipe is everything you need for those moments when you want indulgence without the hassle.
This recipes needs only 3 ingredients and 10 minutes to throw together. You read that right. And no, it doesn’t taste like cardboard. It has the perfectly fudgy texture and tastes incredibly divine.
Forget preheating the oven or dealing with complicated steps—this recipe is for when you want a dessert that’s quick, easy, and decadent. With a rich, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor, these no bake brownies are a must-try for lazy days or anytime chocolate cravings strike.
What Makes These No Bake Brownies So Amazing?
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: You only need three pantry staples to whip up these brownies: nut butter, sweetener, and cocoa powder.
- Minimal Effort: No baking, no fuss. Just mix, chill, and eat.
- No Baking Required: Instead of the oven, pop these babies in the fridge and let the fridge do the magic.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your preferences. Try different nut butters, sweeteners, or toppings.
- Super Quick: You’ll have these ready to chill in less time than it takes to preheat your oven.
The original recipe is by The Big Man’s World and it is a healthier version. But I tweaked it be the ultimate indulgence, prepared in an unbelievably short amount of time.
What Ingredients Do You Need for No Bake Brownies
To make this delightful dessert, you’ll need:
- Nut Butter: Choose your favorite! Peanut butter, tahini, almond butter, or even sunflower seed butter all work wonderfully.
- Sweetener: Use honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
- Cocoa Powder: For that deep chocolate flavor, dark cocoa powder is a game-changer, but regular cocoa powder works too.
- Optional Topping: Nutella or any chocolate spread takes these brownies to the next level of indulgence.
ALSO TRY: 4-ingredient Donut Holes (No Yeast)
How to Make No Bake Brownies
The method to these brownies is simple and can be broken down into 6 quick steps:
- Combine Ingredients
Grab a medium-sized bowl and mix your nut butter, sweetener, and cocoa powder until well combined. I used a mix of peanut butter and tahini for a slightly nutty, rich flavor. - Adjust Texture (If Needed)
If the mixture feels a bit dry, add a splash of milk or water. You want a thick, fudgy consistency that holds together when pressed. - Shape the Brownies
Line a small tray or dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the dish and press it down evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon. - Add the Topping
This step is optional, but why skip the fun? Spread a generous layer of Nutella (or your preferred chocolate spread) over the top. - Chill and Set
Pop the dish into the fridge and let it chill for about 30 minutes. This helps the brownies firm up and develop their signature fudgy texture. - Slice and Serve
Once set, slice the brownies into squares. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk and enjoy.
Let’s talk about the substitutes I used. And yes, the original recipe is super easy and versatile, with The Big Man himself providing options for substitutes.
The Best Substitutions
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with substitutions:
- Nut Butter: Allergic to nuts? Sunflower seed butter or soy butter are great alternatives.
- Sweetener: Want to make these vegan? Stick to maple syrup or agave. Looking to reduce sugar? Use a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup.
- Cocoa Powder: For a more intense chocolate flavor, opt for dark cocoa powder.
Why do I call these “Lazy Girl” No Bake Brownies?
There are a few reasons that made this recipe earn the “Lazy Girl” title.
- It literally takes less than 10 minutes to make (I mean… in this economy??)
- It uses only 3 ingredients (again… in THIS economy??)
When I found this recipe initially, I was a little skeptical. It looked too good to be true and also they are meant to be healthy.
But then I went through it properly and realized, I could sub most of the ingredients with something else. And because I wasn’t focused on a healthy dessert per se, I swapped out the healthier ingredients.
The Beauty of Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Can’t eat nuts? Go for sunflower seed butter. Want a lower-calorie version? Use a sugar-free sweetener. Need an extra chocolatey punch? Add dark chocolate chips into the mix.
Even the topping is flexible. While Nutella is my personal favorite, feel free to use almond butter, caramel sauce, or even sprinkle sea salt for a sweet-salty vibe.
Why I Love This Recipe
When I first stumbled across The Big Man’s World recipe, I was intrigued but skeptical. Could three ingredients really result in something satisfying? Turns out, the answer is a resounding yes. With just a few tweaks, these brownies transformed into the ultimate lazy girl indulgence.
In the original recipe, chocolate frosting is used with a healthy recipe version available as well. But, I went for Nutella. You can also use just about any chocolate spread you have lying around. Remember, these are supposed to be easy, peasy, and most importantly… lazy.
I halved the original recipe and still ended up with six generously sized brownie squares. They’re dense, fudgy, and rich—everything you want in a brownie but without the hassle of baking. And thanks to the no bake process, they feel lighter than traditional brownies while still being super satisfying.
If you want a deeper, richer flavor – just swap out regular cocoa powder for dark cocoa powder.
You can find the original video for the recipe on The Big Man’s World Instagram.
Tips for Perfect No Bake Brownies
- Chill Time is Key
While 30 minutes is the minimum, letting the brownies sit in the fridge for a bit longer (an hour or so) will yield the best texture. - Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw before eating. - Serving Suggestion
These brownies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a frothy latte. The fudgy texture also makes them great as a topping for ice cream!
If you’ve been craving brownies but don’t have the energy to bake, these 3-ingredient no bake brownies are the answer. They’re indulgent, customizable, and so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them sooner.
ALSO TRY: Single-Serve Chocolate Chunk Cookies
I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Did you stick to the recipe or put your own spin on it? Tag me in your creations and let’s celebrate the joy of lazy desserts together.