Vegan Cosmic Brownies are a healthier take on the nostalgic Little Debbie treat, made with wholesome ingredients while maintaining a rich, fudgy texture. These brownies are completely vegan, gluten-free, and free from refined sugars, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Topped with a creamy coconut chocolate ganache and colorful sprinkles, they’re just as fun to eat as they are delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Brownie Base:

2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax mixed with 6 tbsp water, let sit for 10 minutes) (can sub 2 regular eggs)
½ cup coconut sugar (can sub cane sugar or monk fruit sweetener)
½ cup almond butter (can sub any other nut or seed butter)
¼ cup melted coconut oil (can sub any other oil)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup almond flour (can sub oat flour)
½ cup cacao powder
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp baking powder
⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips

Frosting:

1 (15 oz) can full-fat coconut cream (solid part only)
½ cup vegan dark chocolate chips
Sprinkles of choice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Lightly coat the pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

In a small bowl, make the flax eggs by mixing ground flax with water. Stir well and let sit for 8-10 minutes until thickened.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together coconut sugar, almond butter, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and flax eggs until well combined.

In a separate bowl, mix almond flour, cacao powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick brownie batter forms.

Fold in the vegan chocolate chips, then press the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 17 minutes.

Allow the brownies to cool for about 15-20 minutes before adding the frosting.

To make the frosting, heat the solid part of the coconut cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the vegan chocolate chips and whisk continuously until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.

Pour the ganache over the brownies and spread evenly. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles and place the brownies in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until the frosting is firm.

Remove from the freezer, slice into squares, and enjoy. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days.

Nutrients

(Per Serving)

Calories: ~180 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~12g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~8g

The Nostalgia Behind Cosmic Brownies

Cosmic Brownies are a beloved treat that many associate with childhood lunchboxes and sweet cravings. Originally introduced by Little Debbie, these dense, chocolatey squares are known for their smooth ganache topping and colorful candy-coated sprinkles. While the original version is undoubtedly delicious, it contains artificial preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, and processed ingredients.

This vegan adaptation maintains the same rich, indulgent experience but with natural, nutrient-dense ingredients. By swapping processed sugars and dairy for healthier alternatives, these brownies provide a more nourishing way to enjoy a nostalgic favorite without sacrificing taste or texture.

The Secret to the Perfect Fudgy Texture

One of the defining characteristics of a great cosmic brownie is its ultra-fudgy consistency. Achieving this in a vegan and gluten-free recipe requires the right combination of ingredients. Almond butter plays a crucial role, acting as a binder while adding natural creaminess. The use of flax eggs ensures the batter holds together without the need for traditional eggs, making this recipe entirely plant-based.

Coconut oil enhances the richness, while almond flour keeps the texture soft and dense. The addition of cacao powder brings a deep chocolate flavor, ensuring each bite is just as satisfying as the original. The key to locking in moisture is not overbaking—17 minutes in the oven keeps these brownies soft and chewy rather than dry and crumbly.

A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Brownies

What sets these vegan cosmic brownies apart from store-bought options is their clean ingredient list. Instead of using processed white sugar, this recipe relies on coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index and provides a subtle caramel-like sweetness.

Almond flour replaces refined wheat flour, making these brownies naturally gluten-free and higher in protein and fiber. Cacao powder, as opposed to processed cocoa powder, is packed with antioxidants and beneficial minerals like magnesium and iron. These substitutions create a dessert that not only tastes incredible but also provides nourishment with every bite.

The Magic of Vegan Chocolate Ganache

A cosmic brownie wouldn’t be complete without its signature thick layer of glossy chocolate frosting. In this recipe, a simple two-ingredient ganache made with full-fat coconut cream and vegan dark chocolate chips replaces traditional butter-heavy frostings.

The coconut cream provides a silky, rich texture, while the melted dark chocolate adds deep cocoa intensity. Unlike conventional frostings that rely on butter and powdered sugar, this version offers a naturally creamy consistency without excess sweetness. Spreading this ganache over the cooled brownies creates a decadent topping that hardens slightly when chilled, giving the perfect bite every time.

Choosing the Best Toppings

The sprinkles on cosmic brownies are what make them so iconic. For this vegan version, it’s important to choose plant-based sprinkles that are free from artificial dyes and animal-derived ingredients. Many natural sprinkles use fruit and vegetable extracts for color instead of synthetic food dyes.

For an added crunch, crushed nuts, cacao nibs, or even shredded coconut can be used instead of or alongside traditional sprinkles. These additions not only enhance the texture but also provide extra nutrients and flavor depth.

Customizing Your Vegan Cosmic Brownies

This recipe serves as a great base for experimentation. If you enjoy bolder flavors, a pinch of espresso powder can be added to the batter to intensify the chocolate notes. For a hint of warmth, cinnamon or a dash of chili powder can create a unique twist.

Those looking for a lower-sugar version can swap coconut sugar for monk fruit sweetener, reducing the overall carbohydrate content without affecting the texture. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter introduces a satisfying crunch, making these brownies even more dynamic.

If you’re a fan of peanut butter, swirling a few spoonfuls into the batter before baking can create a delicious marbled effect. For a festive touch, seasonal sprinkles can be used to customize the brownies for different holidays and occasions.

How to Store and Serve Vegan Cosmic Brownies

These brownies taste best when they have time to set, allowing the ganache to firm up and the flavors to meld. Once cooled and frosted, they should be placed in the freezer for about an hour to ensure the ganache hardens to the perfect consistency. After that, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container.

For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. These brownies are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of almond butter for extra indulgence.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Making these brownies at home allows you to control the ingredients while still enjoying a treat that tastes just as good—if not better—than the original. Unlike store-bought versions that contain artificial flavors and preservatives, these homemade brownies are made with real, wholesome ingredients that provide a nutritional boost.

For those following a plant-based diet or looking for allergy-friendly desserts, these brownies are an excellent option. They are dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs. Even those who don’t follow a vegan lifestyle will find these brownies to be irresistibly rich and satisfying.

Conclusion

Vegan Cosmic Brownies are proof that indulgence doesn’t have to come with guilt. By using nutrient-dense ingredients like almond butter, cacao powder, and coconut cream, these brownies provide a healthier alternative to a childhood favorite without sacrificing flavor. Their fudgy texture, decadent chocolate ganache, and colorful sprinkles make them both visually and gastronomically appealing.

Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic dessert, a fun treat for kids, or a satisfying chocolate fix, these brownies deliver on all fronts. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. With their rich flavor and nourishing ingredients, these brownies will quickly become a go-to recipe in any kitchen, proving that plant-based desserts can be just as indulgent and delicious as their traditional counterparts.

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