No-Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a decadent, fudgy treat that’s entirely plant-based and requires zero oven time, then you’re in for a real delight with these No-Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies. Dense and rich with a perfectly smooth chocolate ganache topping and a fun burst of colorful candy chips, these brownies combine wholesome ingredients like medjool dates and walnuts with indulgent chocolate to create a dessert that’s as nourishing as it is irresistible. Whether you’re a devoted vegan or simply crave a healthier, fuss-free chocolate fix, these No-Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies are about to become your new favorite guilty pleasure.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing these cosmic brownies. Each one plays a crucial role—from the natural sweetness of medjool dates to the luscious richness of coconut cream creating that perfect luxurious ganache. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

• Medjool dates (2 cups, tightly packed): Naturally sweet and sticky, these hold the brownie base together beautifully without any refined sugar.
• Almond flour (1 1/2 cups): Adds a subtle nuttiness and tender crumb to the brownies.
• Raw walnuts (1 cup): Provide a satisfying crunch and deepen the flavor complexity when finely ground.
• Cocoa powder (1/2 cup): The star ingredient for that rich chocolate punch; opt for unsweetened to control sweetness.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 1 tsp): A double dose—one for the brownie dough and another for the ganache—to elevate every bite.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and sharpen the chocolate flavors.
• Chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Use vegan chips for a creamy, melty ganache topping.
• Canned coconut cream (2/3 cup): Essential for creamy vegan ganache without adding dairy.
• Maple syrup (1 tbsp): Adds a hint of sweetness and silkiness to the ganache.
• Rainbow candy coated chips (1/4 cup): The fun cosmic sprinkle that takes these brownies to the next level with color and crunch.

How to Make No-Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a 9×9 square dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave extra paper hanging over the edges. This little trick makes removing the brownies after chilling so much easier and ensures they won’t stick or crumble when cutting.

Step 2: Create the Brownie Base

In your food processor, combine the almond flour, raw walnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Pulse until the walnuts are finely ground to something resembling flour. Then add the pitted medjool dates, pulsing again until you get a sticky and cohesive dough. This mixture forms the chewy, fudgy middle of your No-Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan to create a sturdy base.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chocolate Ganache

Place the chocolate chips, maple syrup, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl and set aside for a moment. Scoop the entire contents of the canned coconut cream—including both thick and liquid parts—into another bowl and microwave for about 1 minute and 45 seconds. Whisk the warmed coconut cream, then pour it over the chocolate mixture. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to soften the chips, then whisk together until perfectly smooth and glossy. If needed, zap it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds more and whisk again to melt all the chocolate.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cosmic Masterpiece

Pour the luscious ganache over the brownie base and smooth it evenly with a spatula. Don’t forget to tap the pan gently on your countertop to even out the surface and remove any air bubbles. This layer is what makes these cookies one step above, giving them that silky, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Step 5: Add Your Cosmic Touch

Sprinkle the rainbow candy coated chips generously over the ganache while it is still soft. These add a fun pop of color and a slight crunch that bring every bite alive, perfectly living up to the “cosmic” in No-Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Pop your creation into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, giving the ganache time to firm up nicely. When set, gently lift the parchment paper to remove the brownies from the pan and slice into 16 squares. Now it’s time to enjoy the magic!

How to Serve No-Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies

Garnishes

You can serve these brownies as-is for a quick bite or dress them up by dusting a little cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top for an even richer look. Fresh berries or chopped nuts sprinkled over the ganache before serving also add a refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your No-Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea also complements the chocolate intensity perfectly, rounding out your cosmic treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange the brownies on a platter lined with edible flowers or edible glitter for an out-of-this-world presentation. You can also cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters or stack smaller bites on a dessert tower garnished with extra rainbow candy chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover No-Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and fudgy for up to 5 days, ready whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these brownies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain their ideal texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake, reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you prefer them slightly softer, you can warm a single brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings out the gooey chocolate texture without melting the candy topping.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully and will change the flavor profile just slightly. Just make sure to grind them to a fine consistency like with the walnuts for the best texture.

Are the rainbow candy coated chips vegan?

Many rainbow candy chips are not vegan due to confectioner’s glaze or milk derivatives. Look for certified vegan options or substitute with chopped vegan-friendly colored chocolate or sprinkles.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free due to the almond flour base, so no worries there! Just double-check your cocoa powder and candy coatings to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar content even more?

Since the natural sweetness mainly comes from the medjool dates and the maple syrup in the ganache, you can reduce the maple syrup slightly if you want less sugar. However, keep some for the ganache texture and balance.

How long do the brownies need to chill?

At least 4 hours in the fridge ensures the ganache fully sets for perfect slicing. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the freezer for 1-2 hours, but be careful as they can get very firm.

Final Thoughts

These No-Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies are the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and irresistible chocolate bliss. They are easy to make, delightfully fun with their cosmic sprinkles, and satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings. I genuinely can’t recommend them enough—grab those dates, whip up a batch, and get ready to impress yourself and your friends with this stellar, plant-powered treat!

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