Copycat Cosmic Brownies (gluten + vegan)

Healthier Copycat Cosmic Brownies made with all vegan, gluten-free and grain-free ingredients. These are a no-bake, easy version to make at home.

When I was in school, these were only 35 cents. How crazy!!!

I am 100% aware that I sound like a grandpa right now saying this. But how insane is that?! You probably can’t even get a gum ball these days for that.

Today we are making those cosmic brownies from our childhood, but with a healthier twist. Of course they don’t taste exactly like the real deal. But I’m also not using corn syrup 4 different times like the actual ones do. I looked up the OG cosmic brownie online when I started testing these. And I’m not going to lie and say I was surprised by the ingredients, but wow!

It is shocking to me that we would sell something like this in schools nonetheless. But times are different now and soon I will be baking all the goods to bring to Ezra’s school when he is older. As a society, we are more aware of what we are feeding our families and eating. Paying attention to sugars and the nutritional value of what we keep around. Granted there is always a time and place for the classics but for the reoccurring consumption, I like to make them a bit healthier.

And now we can try to make our own copycat cosmic brownies at home.

Incase you are wondering what a cosmic brownie is…

Think a fudge-y brownie layer topped with a thick chocolate frosting and some little candies on top.

I personally love eating these frozen. Then dipped in some warm non-dairy milk like coconut or oat or almond. You can use whatever milk you wish!

This recipe I am sharing is paleo, gluten-free, grain-free and the only refined sugar that is added comes from the candies on top, which is totally optional!

What ingredients you need to make these Cosmic Brownies:

• Creamy nut butter. I personally like using peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter in this.
• Almond milk. I usually use unsweetened almond milk but really any milk can work.
• Cacao powder. A staple in homemade brownies. You can use cocoa powder too.
• Maple syrup. The sugar we add to sweeten the brownies up.
• Almond flour. You can likely use oat flour or spelt flour too. I haven’t personally used it but it may work.
• Chocolate protein powder. An added boost for the brownies. These are secretly protein-packed!
• Dark chocolate. You know the drill I love these
• Rainbow sprinkles. I love these sprinkles!! They are great

How to make these no-bake Cosmic Brownies:

1. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper
2. Mix together brownie ingredients until smooth and creamy
3. Add to baking dish and spread across evenly
4. Melt dark chocolate in microwave (add coconut oil if needed)
5. Spread chocolate onto brownies, sprinkle some sprinkles on top and set in fridge or freezer for about 1 to 2 hours until firm
6. Slice into brownies and enjoy!

FAQs and tips on making these Copycat Cosmic Brownies:

• Use creamy nut butter! Make sure it’s drippy and not too thick or chunky.
• Nut-free? Try sunflower butter or tahini instead and then use gluten-free oat flour instead of almond flour.
• Brownies not setting? Been there – add them to the freezer. Depending on the brand nut butter and protein powder, it can impact consistency. The freezer will firm them up for you.
• Want to add the candy on top? Go for it! I did sprinkles, but you can add the chocolate candies instead.
• Best place to store these is the fridge or freezer! Up to 1 week in fridge, 2 months in the freezer.

If you are craving more brownies.. Don’t forget about my epic grain-free brownies on the blog!

xx, Rach