15-Minute No-Bake Brownies

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Chill Time: 3 hrs

Total: 3 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 12 servings

Whether the kids are bugging you for a chocolaty treat and you don’t have the time to bake, or it’s just too hot outside to turn on the oven, this no-bake brownie recipe is the perfect solution. It is easy and uses ingredients you probably have on hand in your pantry. Calling for just sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened chocolate, graham cracker crumbs, and walnuts, these no-bake brownies are simple to put together and sure to satisfy any chocolate craving.

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate

• 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1 cup chopped walnuts, divided

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredients. 

   

2. Spray a 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Heat the sweetened condensed milk and unsweetened chocolate in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until the chocolate is melted, and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.

   

4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the graham cracker crumbs and half of the chopped walnuts.

   

5. Spread the mixture in the prepared pan. Top with the remaining walnuts.

   

6. Cover and chill until firm, 3 to 4 hours.

7. Cut into 12 pieces and enjoy.

   

Tips

• To make your own graham cracker crumbs, put graham crackers into a food processor and pulse until they are fine crumbs. You can also crumble them with your hands or put them in a zip-lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin, but keep in mind the crumbs won’t be uniform.
• Make sure you use sweetened condensed milk for this recipe and not evaporated milk. Both have over half of their water content removed, but the condensed milk contains added sugar, while the evaporated is unsweetened.
• If there are any leftovers, these brownies should be kept in the refrigerator. They’ll last for 4 to 5 days in the fridge if no one eats them first!
• Make a double batch and freeze one—they’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Recipe Variations

• If you like, you can turn this mixture into brownie balls instead of squares. Simply use a tablespoon or cookie dough scoop to portion out and then roll the batter into a ball. Place the remaining chopped nuts on a plate and roll the balls in the walnuts to coat. Chill for 3 to 4 hours until firm.
• Instead of walnuts, try chopped hazelnuts, which are sure to please Nutella fans. Pecans can add a nice Southern twist, and almonds would make the brownies reminiscent of a favorite candy bar. Also, feel free to use a combination of nuts for a rich and interesting flavor.
• If you substitute white chocolate for the unsweetened chocolate, this brownie will turn into a decadent confection. Consider using pistachios for the crunch, as the green tint will make for an attractive dessert.
• To make these no-bake brownies nut-free, replace the walnuts with toffee bits or other crushed candy.
• Turn these brownies into s’mores treats by swapping mini marshmallows for the walnuts.