Cosmic Brownie Bites Healthy Vegan

These cosmic brownie bites are my favorite healthy snack when I am craving something chocolatey but still want to keep things wholesome. They deliver all the nostalgia of those iconic Little Debbie brownies, but in a no-bake, gluten-free, and vegan version you can whip up in minutes with pantry basics.

I remember making these for the first time with my niece on a rainy afternoon. Now they are always requested at our family picnics and birthday parties.

Ingredients

• Medjool dates: bring natural sweetness and sticky texture look for soft glossy ones for easy blending
• Almonds: provide satisfying crunch and a mild nutty flavor choose whole raw almonds for best results
• Walnuts: add creamy richness and healthy fats pick fresh plump nuts with no bitterness
• Shredded coconut: brings a hint of tropical flavor go for unsweetened and fine shreds for even blending
• Cocoa powder: delivers deep chocolate flavor choose natural or Dutch process for your favorite taste
• Vanilla extract: boosts all the chocolate notes and smooths the sweetness pick real vanilla for best aroma
• Salt: subtly brightens and balances flavors use fine sea salt to blend easily
• Maple syrup: naturally sweetens further and helps bind dough if needed opt for pure maple for clean flavor
• Candy coated chocolate chips: provide those classic cosmic sprinkles and pops of color choose a brand that fits your dietary needs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Measure:

Pit your medjool dates to remove the seeds before measuring. Gather all the ingredients so everything is ready to add to your food processor.

Blend the Dough:

Place the dates almonds walnuts shredded coconut cocoa powder vanilla extract and salt into your food processor. Pulse and then blend until a sticky dough forms that easily sticks together when pressed with your fingers. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.

Adjust Consistency:

If your dough looks dry or crumbly rather than sticky drizzle in maple syrup one tablespoon at a time. Blend again until the mixture binds together and you can easily shape it into balls.

Mix in Magic:

Transfer the sticky dough to a mixing bowl. Pour in the candy coated chocolate chips and use clean hands or a spatula to gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape the Bites:

Pinch off small portions of dough and roll between your palms to form bite-sized balls. You should get about twenty bites. Place them on a plate or tray as you go.

Serve and Store:

Enjoy right away or transfer the bites to a lidded container. They taste great right off the counter or chilled from the fridge.

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I always look forward to folding in the rainbow chocolate chips because it reminds me of the colorful treats my grandma used to bake. Those bright speckles make every batch a little bit more fun and festive.

Storage Tips

These bites keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to three days which is perfect if you want to display them in a cookie jar. For longer freshness store them in the refrigerator for a week. For longer term snack insurance freeze them in an airtight bag for up to three months and let thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap the walnuts for pecans or cashews if you prefer a different flavor or have an allergy. You can use cacao powder instead of cocoa powder for a richer antioxidant boost. Peanut butter chips or other allergy friendly chocolates also work instead of traditional candy coated chips.

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Serving Suggestions

Pile them in small paper cups or arrange on a tray for a party. These bites also make a great grab-and-go energy snack after a workout or pack well in school lunches as a treat. For a fancier twist drizzle with a little melted dark chocolate before chilling.

Cultural and Historical Context

Cosmic brownies were a lunchbox classic in the 1990s known for their fudgy texture and colorful candy sprinkles. This healthy no bake twist brings all that joy without the processed sugar or artificial flavors making it a feel good way to celebrate nostalgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes these brownie bites naturally sweet?

Medjool dates provide natural sweetness, eliminating the need for refined sugar while also adding moisture and chewiness.

→ Can I use other nuts instead of almonds and walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute with cashews, pecans, or hazelnuts, which will slightly alter flavor and texture.

→ How do I store brownie bites for freshness?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for a week, or freeze for 3 months.

→ Are these suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Absolutely. All ingredients used comply with vegan and gluten-free dietary needs for inclusive snacking.

→ What if my dough is too dry?

Add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup and blend again. This adjusts moisture and enhances sweetness as needed.

→ Do the candy-coated chips melt at room temperature?

Candy chips usually hold their shape, but for best results in hot environments, keep bites refrigerated.