Name: Healthy Cosmic Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: ⅓ cup gluten free 1-to-1 flour ((42g)*); ⅓ cup unflavored collagen peptides (optional (30g)); 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot starch (8g)); ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ cup refined coconut oil ((104g) melted ); ½ cup natural cocoa powder ((50g)); ⅔ cup coconut sugar ((100g)); 2 tbsp maple syrup ((32g)); 2 large eggs (at room temp); 1 large egg yolk (at room temp); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup canned coconut cream ((120ml)); ¾ cup dark chocolate chunks or chips ((125g, dairy free if needed)); rainbow candy coated chocolate chips

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These Healthy Cosmic Brownies are my grown-up (and glow-up) version of the Little Debbie treat we all know and love. They rich, fudgy, completely gluten free and dairy free, and topped with naturally dyed candy-coated chips for that signature rainbow crunch. It’s a sweet throwback, minus the mystery ingredients, and one you’ll feel good about sharing with your kids…or just keeping for yourself.

healthy cosmic brownie with a bite taken out

Little Debbies Cosmic Brownies might be one of the most iconic packaged products of all time. I know they played a core part of most of our lives growing up, and now you can have an ~adult~ version in the comfort of your own home! These healthy cosmic brownies are here to satisfy all your nostalgic, chocolate cravings.

Okay so what makes these homemade cosmic brownies healthier!? First off, they’re fully gluten free, dairy free (as long as you use dairy free chocolate chips), and practically refined sugar free (minus the rainbow chips on top). I also cut wayyyy back on the sugar in these and amped up the protein slightly with some collagen peptides — my fav hack! But the best part? You wouldn’t even know that these are a better-for-you treat.

The ingredients for this cosmic brownie recipe are simple, recognizable and the end result honestly tastes better than the ones that wrapped up in cellophane and sold at grocery stores. Little Debbies better step aside because there’s a new kid in town! Which nostalgic food should I give a glow-up next?

Why You’ll Love these Healthy Homemade Cosmic Brownies

They are gluten free, dairy free and made with better-for-you ingredients!
These homemade cosmic brownies are incredibly fudgy.
They taste even better than the Little Debbie ones!
They’re topped with naturally-dyed rainbow candy coated chocolate chips.
They are lower in sugar than the original, but just as delicious.

healthy cosmic brownies with gold spatula taking a square out

What You Need to Make Healthy Cosmic Brownies

For the Brownies:

Gluten Free 1-to-1 Flour: Be sure to use one that contains xanthan gum – I highly recommend these two brands: King Arthur & Bob’s Red Mill. If you’re not gluten free, you can substitute an equal amount of normal AP flour.
Collagen Peptides: This is an optional ingredient to add some sneaky protein to these cosmic brownies without changing the taste or texture. Make sure it’s unflavored, and leave it out if you’re vegetarian!
Cornstarch: A little bit of cornstarch (or arrowroot starch) helps hold the brownie together and make it fudgy!
Kosher Salt: Even sweet treats need some kosher salt to enhance the flavor.
Refined Coconut Oil: I recommend refined coconut oil because it doesn’t have any coconut flavor, but unrefined will work too.
Cocoa Powder: Use a high-quality natural cocoa powder, such as Guittard for the best results.
Coconut Sugar: These cosmic brownies are sweetened naturally with coconut sugar to make them refined sugar free!
Maple Syrup: Adding in a touch of a liquid sweetener helps to ensure these brownies don’t come out dry and crumbly.
Eggs + Egg Yolk: These help contribute structure, richness and pudginess to the cosmic brownies. I have not tried any substitutes!
Vanilla Extract: Or paste. Surprisingly, vanilla brings out the sweetness and flavor of the chocolate so don’t skip it.

For the Ganache:

Coconut Cream: The kind that comes in a can! You can also use normal or light coconut milk, but the ganache will be slightly less firm.
Dark Chocolate Chunks: If you’re strictly dairy and refined sugar free, use one like Hu. You can also swap in semi-sweet chunks/chips if you prefer!

For Topping:

Rainbow Candy Coated Chocolate Chips: For that true cosmic brownie feel, top these off with a sprinkle of rainbow candy coated chocolate chips. These ones that I found on Amazon are naturally colored, gluten free and dairy free!

How To Make this Homemade Cosmic Brownie Recipe

Preheat Oven:

First, preheat your oven to 350F. Then, line a 9×9″ baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. Sometimes, I find it helpful to spray the dish with oil first, then add the parchment paper so it stays down.

Whisk Together Dry Ingredients:

In a small bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, collagen, cornstarch and kosher salt. Set aside.

Bloom Cocoa Powder, Add in Remaining Ingredients:

Once the coconut oil is melted, add in the cocoa powder, coconut sugar and maple syrup and whisk to combine. Allow this to cool down until warm, but not hot. Next, whisk in the eggs, egg yolk and vanilla. Then, add dry ingredients to the bowl and use a spatula to stir until combined.

Bake Brownies & Let Cool:

Next, spread brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Transfer to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Allow it to cool completely.

healthy cosmic brownie batter in glass bowl with silicone spatula

healthy cosmic brownies in 9x9" baking dish after baking

Prepare Chocolate Ganache:

Once the brownies are fully cooled, add the coconut cream to a medium bowl and microwave it until hot and steaming. Then, add in chocolate chunks/chips and let stand for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and melted.

Top with Ganache & Let Chill:

Pour chocolate ganache evenly over the top of the cooled brownies. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes, then sprinkle on the rainbow candy coated chocolate chips and return to the fridge to chill for another 1.5 hours, or until the ganache has hardened. For perfect slices, run a sharp knife under hot water in between each slice. Enjoy!

healthy cosmic brownies in baking dish before chilling

Substitution FAQs:

I’m allergic to coconut, what can I use instead? Although I have not tested this recipe without the coconut ingredients, it should work fine by substituting an equal amount of cane/white sugar, a different neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil, and heavy cream or a non-dairy heavy cream alternative for the ganache.
I’m vegetarian, can I omit the collagen? Yes! Luckily, collagen doesn’t affect the flavor or texture of the cosmic brownies so you can totally exclude it if you don’t have it on hand or are vegetarian.
Can I use chocolate protein powder instead of collagen? I would NOT recommend using chocolate protein powder, as it absorbs a lot more liquid than collagen does and therefore the texture of these cosmic brownies will become dry and crumbly.

top shot of healthy cosmic brownies cut into squares

How Should I Store Leftover Healthy Cosmic Brownies?

After the ganache has chilled, you can either choose to store these healthy cosmic brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. If you prefer a denser, fudgier brownie then the fridge is the way to go! They will last up to 1 week in the fridge, or up to 3 days at room temperature.

Find the full recipe below. As always, please let me know if you tried it by commenting below or tagging me on Instagram, @munchinwithmaddie_.

Looking for More Copycat Recipes?

Healthy Cosmic Brownies

These Healthy Cosmic Brownies are my grown-up (and glow-up) version of the Little Debbie treat we all know and love. They rich, fudgy, completely gluten free and dairy free, and topped with naturally dyed candy-coated chips for that signature rainbow crunch. It’s a sweet throwback, minus the mystery ingredients, and one you’ll feel good about sharing with your kids…or just keeping for yourself.

Servings brownies

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Chill Time 2

Total Time 2 30

Equipment

9×9 baking dish
kitchen scale
medium bowl
large bowl
whisk
spatula