Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

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Why Make This Recipe

Cosmic Brownies are a childhood favorite for many, loved for their rich, chocolatey flavor and chewy texture. However, traditional recipes can be loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. This Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies recipe offers a delightful compromise, providing a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while using wholesome ingredients. Made with dates for natural sweetness, nuts for healthy fats, and cocoa powder for a rich chocolate taste, these brownies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Whether you are looking for a snack, a dessert, or an energy booster, these Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies can fit the bill. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings or keeping as a treat for yourself after a long day. Plus, they are simple to make, bringing a fun and rewarding experience that enhances your cooking skills.

How to Make Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

Making Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies is a straightforward process that doesn’t require fancy baking skills. It starts with gathering your ingredients and ends with slicing up these delightful treats. Below, we’ve detailed each step, so you’ll have everything you need to whip up these brownies in no time.

Ingredients

1 cup dates, pitted
1/2 cup walnuts or almonds
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Rainbow candy for topping

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it ensures your brownies do not stick to the pan and makes for easy removal later on.
In a food processor, blend the dates and nuts until finely chopped and well combined. This mixture forms the base of your brownies, so get it as smooth as you like.
Add cocoa powder, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth. This is where all the magic happens. You’ll see the mix transition into a brownie batter.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the surface. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but try to make it as even as possible.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. It’s okay if a few crumbs stick to the toothpick, but avoid overbaking. This will keep the brownies chewy.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before topping with rainbow candy. The warmth will help the candy stick, resulting in a colorful and fun top.
Let the brownies cool completely before slicing and serving. Patience is key here! Cutting them too soon may lead to a crumbling mess instead of adorable square brownies.

How to Serve Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

These Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies can be served in various delicious ways! You can enjoy them as they are, or add some extra flair to your presentation:

Simple Slice: Cut the cooled brownies into squares and serve them right on a plate. Their colorful candy topping makes them visually appealing.
Pair with Fruit: Serve a slice alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for some added freshness and a touch of healthy sweetness.
Ice Cream Delight: Top with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a luxurious dessert. The combination of warm brownies and cold ice cream is truly divine.
With Nut Butter: Try drizzling or spreading some peanut or almond butter on top for an extra protein boost and delightful flavor combination.

No matter how you decide to serve these brownies, they are sure to impress!

How to Store Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

Storing your Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies correctly can help maintain their freshness and taste. Here are some simple guidelines:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the brownies within 2-3 days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to one week when refrigerated.
Freezing: If you want to keep them for an even longer period, freeze the brownies. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply take a piece out and let it thaw at room temperature, or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Tips to Make Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

Use Soft Dates: Make sure to use soft, moist dates for optimal blending and sweetness. If your dates are too hard, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before using.
Nut Choices: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or cashews, to change up the flavor and texture.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter brownie, you can add a bit more maple syrup to your mix. Taste the batter before adding it to the pan to find your perfect sweetness level.
Mix-Ins: Get creative! You can add in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the brownie batter for an extra texture and flavor boost.

Variation

While this recipe stands out on its own, there are numerous variations to explore:

Caramel Swirl: Add a swirl of nut butter or a dairy-free caramel sauce on top of the batter before baking for a rich and delicious twist.
Minty Brownies: You can add a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free option, you can replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can. While almond flour works great, you can substitute with oat flour or whole wheat flour for a different flavor and texture.

2. What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes for maple syrup. They may alter the flavor slightly, but will still provide sweetness.

3. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.

4. Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, you can! Simply replace a few tablespoons of almond flour with your favorite protein powder to increase the nutritional content.

5. How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
The recipe already uses almond flour, which is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the cocoa powder and any other ingredients used are labeled gluten-free.

With these easy instructions and tips, you’re ready to make these Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies and share their deliciousness with friends and family. Enjoy your baking adventure and the delectably satisfying result!