Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

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Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies are a delightfully wholesome twist on the classic chocolate treat. Packed with natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients, these brownies are perfect for a guilt-free dessert. By using dates for sweetness and nuts for texture, you can enjoy the rich chocolate flavor without compromising on health. With colorful rainbow candy topping, these brownies not only taste good but also look fun and inviting, making them a favorite with kids and adults alike!

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Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies. For one, they are a healthier option for a chocolatey snack compared to traditional brownies. Made with natural ingredients, these brownies are lower in refined sugars and unhealthy fats. Using dates gives the brownies natural sweetness and fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied.

Furthermore, making these brownies at home allows you to control what goes into them, ensuring you avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives commonly found in store-bought desserts. Plus, they are simple to make and require minimal cleanup!

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether for a cozy family dessert, a special occasion, or just a healthier treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies deliver on taste and nutrition. So gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!

How to Make Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

Making Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies is straightforward and requires only a few simple steps. Follow this guide to create your delicious brownies effortlessly.

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the brownies later and helps prevent sticking.

3. Blend the Base: In a food processor, combine the pitted dates and your choice of nuts (walnuts or almonds). Blend until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined. This provides the base of the brownies and gives them a nice chewy texture.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients: To the date and nut mixture, add cocoa powder, almond flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend all the ingredients until the batter is smooth and creamy.

5. Pour and Spread: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, carefully spread the batter evenly across the pan to ensure uniform baking.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want a toothpick inserted in the middle to come out mostly clean—some moist crumbs are okay!

7. Cool and Top: Allow the brownies to cool for a few minutes in the pan. Once they are slightly cooler, sprinkle the rainbow candy on top before they cool completely. The candy will stick nicely to the warm surface.

8. Slice and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely before slicing them into squares. Now they’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies are great for any occasion. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a mid-afternoon snack or a post-workout treat for an energy boost.

• Dessert: Serve them as a delicious dessert along with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a richer treat.

• For Parties: Cut them into small squares and arrange them on a platter for parties or gatherings. They are a hit with both kids and adults.

• Pack for Lunch: These brownies can make a fun addition to lunches for kids (and adults!). They are easy to pack and don’t require refrigeration.

How to Store Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

Proper storage can keep your Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies fresh for longer:

• At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the brownies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

• Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the brownies in the fridge in an airtight container. They can last up to a week this way.

• Freezer: To keep them for a month or two, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Tips to Make Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies

To ensure the best results with your Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies, check out these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Dates: Make sure your dates are fresh and sticky. If they’re too dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain and blend.

• Nut Choices: Feel free to experiment with different nuts! Pecans or cashews can also work beautifully in this recipe.

• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness of the brownies. If you want a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder.

• Topping Options: While rainbow candy adds a fun touch, feel free to top your brownies with nuts, dried fruits, or even mini chocolate chips for variety.

• Taste Test: Before pouring the batter into the baking pan, taste a small amount to check if you want to adjust sweetness or chocolate flavor. You can add a bit more maple syrup or cocoa, if desired.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Here are a couple of variations you can try with your Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies:

• Nut Butter Swirl: Add a dollop of almond or peanut butter on top of the brownie batter before baking. Use a knife to swirl it in for a delicious nutty flavor.

• Mint Chocolate: For a refreshing twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract into the batter before blending. This will give your brownies a delicious minty chocolate flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of sweeteners instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with agave nectar, honey, or even coconut sugar. Just keep in mind that different sweeteners might slightly change the texture and flavor.

2. Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free oats or stick to almond flour, these brownies can be gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

3. Can I use a different kind of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with different flours, such as coconut flour or whole wheat flour. Note that this might affect the overall texture and flavor.

4. What if I don’t have a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the nuts and dates by hand. Then mix the ingredients together in a bowl. It may take a little longer but will still work!

5. Are these brownies kid-friendly?

Absolutely! These brownies are a healthier option that kids will love. The rainbow candy on top makes them visually appealing, and they have a rich chocolate flavor that kids adore.

6. Can I add protein powder to these brownies?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter for an extra protein boost. Just be aware that this may affect the consistency of the brownies, so you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.

Now you’re all set to make your very own Healthy-ish Cosmic Brownies! Enjoy the process, have fun in the kitchen, and savor every bite of this delicious, guilt-free treat!

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