Introduction

These Cosmic Brownies are a rich, fudgy treat packed with wholesome ingredients and a vibrant topping. Perfectly textured with a creamy chocolate ganache and a pop of colorful candy, they’re sure to delight anyone craving something sweet and satisfying.

The image shows several square chocolate bars with two visible layers; the bottom layer is darker, dense, and grainy in texture, while the top layer is smooth, shiny chocolate. Each piece is decorated with small, round candy sprinkles in bright colors including red, yellow, green, blue, purple, and orange, scattered on top. One square in the front has a bite taken out of it, showing the moist interior of the dark chocolate base. The bars rest on a white marbled surface with small candies scattered around. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more colorful candy sprinkles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups medjool dates, tightly packed*
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1 cup raw walnuts
1/2 cup cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
2/3 cup canned coconut cream
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup rainbow candy coated chips

Instructions

Step 1: Line a 9×9 square dish with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make them easier to remove later.
Step 2: In a food processor, combine almond flour, walnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the walnuts have a flour-like consistency. Add the pitted medjool dates and blend again until a sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to the lined dish and press firmly and evenly across the bottom.
Step 3: In a bowl, mix chocolate chips, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Scoop the entire contents of the coconut cream can—both the thick cream and liquid—into another bowl. Microwave for 1 minute 45 seconds, then whisk together. Pour 2/3 cup of the warmed coconut cream over the chocolate chip mixture. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. If needed, microwave in 15–30 second intervals until fully melted and combined.
Step 4: Pour the chocolate ganache over the brownie base and spread evenly. Tap the dish gently on the countertop to smooth the surface. Sprinkle rainbow candy coated chips on top.
Step 5: Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the ganache sets.
Step 6: Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the brownies out of the dish. Slice into 16 squares and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, soft medjool dates for the best texture and natural sweetness.
Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
For a nut-free option, replace almond flour and walnuts with sunflower seed flour and seeds.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to the cocoa mixture to deepen the chocolate flavor.
If coconut cream is unavailable, use full-fat coconut milk but refrigerate overnight to thicken it.

Storage

Store the brownies covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and serve chilled or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended, as it may affect the texture of the ganache.

How to Serve

The image shows seven square slices of chocolate brownies arranged closely and spread out slightly on a white marbled surface. Each brownie has a smooth, shiny dark chocolate layer on top, decorated with small, colorful candy drops in red, green, yellow, purple, blue, and orange scattered evenly across the surface. One brownie near the center has a bite taken from its bottom right corner, revealing a rich, dense, dark brown interior layer below the chocolate topping. Extra colorful candy drops are scattered around the brownies on the white marbled surface, with a small white bowl filled with more candy drops partly visible in the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of date?

Medjool dates are preferred for their softness and sweetness, but other soft dates may work as long as they are pitted and moist. If using drier dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before blending.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, these brownies are both vegan and gluten-free, making them accessible to many dietary preferences and needs.