These no bake cosmic brownies are fudgy, moist, and deeply chocolatey — an improved, better-for-you take on the classic. Made with whole ingredients and naturally sweetened with dates, they’re vegan, gluten-free, oil- and refined-sugar-free, and perfect when you want an easy, small-batch dessert.
If you love no-bake treats, try my No Bake Chocolate Brownies, No Bake Pistachio Brownies, or Cosmic Brownie Stuffed Dates next.
Quick Look: No Bake Cosmic Brownies
- Ready In: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: ~219 per serving
- Key Ingredients: Medjool dates, peanut butter, cocoa powder, vegan chocolate chips
- Dietary Info: Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, oil-free, naturally sweetened
- Flavor/Texture: Fudgy, rich, moist, soft, chocolatey
These no bake cosmic brownies capture the nostalgia of the original treat but use whole-food ingredients for a healthier spin. They have the same fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor as my viral no-bake brownies, but topped with the playful candy-coated rainbow chips that make cosmic brownies iconic.
Table of Contents
The brownie base uses just four simple ingredients and is finished with a two-ingredient vegan chocolate ganache, then topped with candy-coated rainbow chips for that classic cosmic look.
They’re quick, tasty, and surprisingly wholesome — an easy dessert you can feel good about serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with six wholesome ingredients (plus the rainbow chips)
- Naturally sweetened with Medjool dates
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- No oven required
- Small batch so you don’t accidentally eat the whole pan
- Moist, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor
- Healthy enough for everyday and decadent enough for dessert
Ingredients Needed
You only need a few simple, wholesome ingredients to make these no-bake cosmic brownies.
- Medjool Dates: The base of the brownies — they add natural sweetness and a fudgy, caramel-like texture.
- Peanut Butter: Adds creaminess and classic chocolate-peanut butter flavor. Use any natural nut or seed butter you prefer.
- Cocoa Powder: For rich chocolate flavor — choose a good-quality cocoa for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate depth.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: For the simple ganache that tops the brownies.
- Non-Dairy Milk: A splash softens the ganache without heavy cream.
- Rainbow Candy-Coated Chips: The finishing touch — candy-coated chocolate chips create the classic cosmic appearance.
Substitutions
- Peanut Butter: Substitute almond, cashew, or hazelnut butter.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
How to Make No Bake Cosmic Brownies (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Add pitted Medjool dates, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla to a food processor. Blend until a sticky, cohesive dough forms.
- Step 2: Line a small square pan with parchment paper. Press the brownie mixture evenly into the pan, packing it down firmly. Freeze for 10–15 minutes to set.
- Step 3: Place vegan chocolate chips and non-dairy milk in a heat-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Spread the ganache evenly over the chilled brownie base.
- Step 4: Scatter the rainbow candy-coated chips over the ganache. Refrigerate 5–10 minutes until the topping sets.
- Step 5: Use a sharp knife to slice into squares. Chilling first helps achieve clean edges.
- Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Megan’s Tips
- Use fresh Medjool dates: They’re large, soft, and naturally sweet. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate before blending for a fudgier result.
- Adjust texture if needed: If the dough is too wet, add cocoa powder a tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time. You want a fudgy dough that still holds when pressed.
- Chill before slicing: After adding ganache, chill until set so you can cut clean squares.
FAQs
Yes. Double the ingredients for a thicker pan of brownies — the method stays the same.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
They’re a better-for-you dessert made from whole ingredients like dates, nut butter, and dark chocolate, offering a more wholesome alternative to conventional brownies.
More No Bake Desserts You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these no bake cosmic brownies, try these recipes next.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. Tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
No Bake Cosmic Brownies (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Small Batch)
Megan MurphyLeave a Review
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Food processor
Ingredients
No Bake Brownies
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
- ⅓ cup peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegan Chocolate Ganache
- ⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
- 2 tablespoons rainbow candy-coated chips (or sprinkles)
Instructions
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Process the ingredients: Add pitted Medjool dates, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla to a food processor. Blend until a sticky dough forms.
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Press into pan: Line a small square container with parchment. Press the mixture evenly into the pan and freeze 10–15 minutes to set.
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Make the ganache: Melt vegan chocolate chips with non-dairy milk in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
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Frost the brownies: Spread ganache over the chilled base.
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Add sprinkles: Top with rainbow chips, refrigerate 5–10 minutes until set, then slice and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh Medjool dates: If dates are dry, soak them 10 minutes in warm water before using.
- Adjust texture: Add cocoa powder 1 tbsp at a time if too wet; add water 1 tsp at a time if too dry. Dough should hold when pressed.
- Chill before slicing: Chill after frosting for cleaner cuts.
- Substitutions: Swap nut butter or use seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container 3–5 days or freeze up to 2 months.