I took a walk down memory lane recently during my healthy candy series, where I recreated some of my favorite childhood candy. I started with healthy snickers, then homemade crunch bars, 4 ingredient date caramels, and healthy butterfingers. These candy recreations reminded me of all the packaged treats I was obsessed with as a kid, and at the top of my list was always (& forever <3) cosmic brownies!
The quest to recreate a cosmic brownie seemed easy enough – make a gluten-free fudgy brownie base, top with dairy-free chocolate ganache, then rainbow coated chocolate chips! And I’m not going to lie, I managed to perfect the brownies on my second try, but the rainbow chips required some extra work. I scoured the internet for dayssss trying to find dye-free rainbow chips and OMG I finally did! On Amazon, too, of all places (linked here). So with that major score, my healthy gluten free cosmic brownies finally came together. And oh boy are they PERFECT!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These gluten-free cosmic brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make with just 7 ingredients. The one-bowl recipe keeps things simple while still delivering a decadent brownie base topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. They’re also dairy-free, gluten-free, and can easily be adjusted to suit various dietary needs—perfect for anyone craving a healthier, nostalgic treat!
What You Need to Make Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies
- Almond Butter: Acts as the base for the brownies, adding richness and a boost of healthy fats while keeping the brownies naturally gluten-free.
- Maple Syrup: Sweetens the brownies with a natural touch, adding moisture and flavor without the need for refined sugars.
- Egg & Egg Yolk: Help to bind the ingredients and add structure to the brownie base, giving it that fudgy, chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors of the brownies, adding a warm, comforting note to the overall taste.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor, while also being gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Chocolate Chips & Non-Dairy Milk: Create a smooth and creamy chocolate ganache topping that sets the brownies apart with its rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Rainbow Sprinkles: For more authentic looking cosmic brownies, use rainbow coated chocolate chips on top. I found these dye-free rainbow chips on Amazon and they’re perfect!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies
- Preheat: Heat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Add cocoa powder and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Prepare Ganache: While the brownies cool, melt chocolate chips and non-dairy milk to create a silky ganache.
- Assemble: Once the brownies have cooled, pour the ganache over the top, and sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles for that iconic cosmic brownie look. Let them set in the fridge before slicing and enjoying.
Storage Tips
Store these brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just defrost in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.
Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs
- Make It Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Lower Sugar: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and reduce the maple syrup, replacing part of it with a sugar-free sweetener if desired.
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative for a nut-free version of these brownies.
Gluten Free Cosmic Brownies
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- large bowl
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
For the chocolate ganache frosting:
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles or rainbow coated chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, egg and egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
- Add in the cocoa powder, then whisk again to fully combine the brownie batter.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the brownies comes out mostly clean.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes.
- Once brownies are slightly cool, make the chocolate ganache by melting together the chocolate chips and non-dairy milk in 30 second bursts in the microwave. Once the chocolate has melted, stir together the ganache until it’s smooth and combined.
- Pour the ganache over the brownies and top with sprinkles. Then, transfer the brownies to the fridge for 1 hour, or until the ganache is firm.
- Remove the brownies from the pan and cut into squares. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for later on!
