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I turn to these cosmic brownie bites whenever I want a chocolate treat but don't want to overdo it. They taste just like those throwback Little Debbie bars, only they're quick to throw together, require no baking, gluten doesn't stand a chance, and everything's plant-based. A handful of staples and boom, snack time.
The first time I whipped these up was with my niece when we were stuck inside from the rain. Now they're a must at birthday bashes and family cookouts.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Candy coated chocolate chips: rainbow candies add that familiar pop of color—grab any kind that matches your dietary needs
- Maple syrup: toss in pure maple for a touch more sweetness and stickiness, if your mix needs a little help binding
- Salt: a little bit brings all the flavors together—fine sea salt stirs in the best
- Vanilla extract: helps everything taste rich and chocolatey, and real vanilla smells awesome
- Cocoa powder: for that bold chocolate oomph, pick whatever style you like
- Shredded coconut: makes things slightly tropical—fine and unsweetened blends right in
- Walnuts: creamy texture and good fats—look for walnuts that are plump and fresh
- Almonds: for crunch and a light nutty vibe—raw whole almonds work wonders
- Medjool dates: the glue for this bite—choose soft, glossy ones for blending
Simple Steps
- Ready to Serve:
- Eat them right away, or stash in a sealed container. They're great both room temp and cold straight from your fridge.
- Roll Time:
- Grab small bits of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Aim for about 20. Lay them out on a plate as you finish.
- Fill with Color:
- Scoop your sticky dough into a bowl, pour over those colorful chocolate chips, and gently fold them in with your hands or a spatula so they're spread throughout.
- Check Texture:
- If things seem dry or crumbly, add a little pure maple syrup at a time and blend again till you can pinch and shape into balls easily.
- Blend Everything:
- Toss the dates, almonds, walnuts, coconut, cocoa, vanilla, and salt all in your food processor. Blitz in pulses, then blend for a sticky, clumpy dough. Scrape down the sides every so often for even mixing.
- Gather and Pit:
- Pop those pits out of your dates, then measure everything you'll need before you start so you can toss it all in quickly.
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Adding the rainbow chocolate chips reminds me of making wild, sprinkle-covered treats with my grandma as a kid. Every single batch feels like a burst of celebration and fun.
Keeping Them Fresh
They'll stay tasty on the counter for about three days, which is handy for snacking right outta a cookie jar. Pop them in the fridge and you've got a week's worth of munchies. Freezer trick: stash in a sealed bag for up to three months, then thaw at room temp so they're soft and ready to eat.
Switch-Ups
Swap out walnuts for pecans or cashews if that's more your style or if there's an allergy. Try cacao powder in place of cocoa for an extra health kick. Peanut butter chips or any allergy-friendly chocolates totally work if the classic candies aren't your thing.
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Ways to Share
Drop them in mini muffin liners or fan them out on a tray for easy party nibbling. They’re awesome on the go after exercise or slipped into a lunchbox as a pickup. If you want to get fancy, pour a little melted dark chocolate over top before you chill them.
The Backstory
Cosmic brownies hit their peak in 90s lunchboxes with their rich centers and cheery candy bits. This easy no bake version gives the same fun without the sugar crash or weird additives, so you can time travel to childhood and still feel good about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do these bites taste naturally sweet?
It's all thanks to medjool dates. You don't need to add sugar since dates bring both chewiness and a sweet kick.
- → Is it okay to swap the almonds or walnuts?
For sure—you can try cashews, hazelnuts, or pecans. Each kind brings its own texture and flavor.
- → What's the best way to store these bites?
Pop them in an airtight jar for up to 3 days on the counter, a week in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- → Are these bites good for folks eating vegan or gluten-free?
Yep! All the stuff in here works for both vegan and gluten-avoiding eaters so no one feels left out.
- → What can I do if the dough feels crumbly?
Pour in 1 or 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and blend till it sticks together better and tastes a bit sweeter.
- → Will the candy gems melt if left out?
They usually keep their shape, but if it’s super warm, store your bites in the fridge just in case.