If you grew up loving those classic cosmic brownies, this version is going to bring back all the memories. They’re rich, fudgy, super chocolatey, and finished with a thick layer of ganache and those fun rainbow chips on top.

They’ve got that dense, chewy bite with a smooth chocolate topping that really gives you that nostalgic feel, just like the original, but totally dairy-free.

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Ingredients for vegan cosmic brownies

Dairy-free salted butter (melted): This is the base of the brownies and gives them that rich, fudgy texture. It’s used in two parts to help build both structure and extra moisture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create that classic chewy texture.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, slightly caramel-like flavor.
Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as an egg replacement while keeping the brownies soft and moist.
Cornstarch: Helps bind everything together and gives the brownies structure without eggs.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Baking soda: Gives just a slight lift so the brownies aren’t too dense.
Hershey cocoa powder: This is where all the rich chocolate flavor comes from, giving that classic cosmic brownie taste.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while still keeping the brownies soft and fudgy.

Ingredients for ganache

Vegan heavy cream: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the ganache.
Vegan chocolate chips: Melt into the cream to create a thick, glossy chocolate topping.
Vegan rainbow chocolate chips: These are what give the brownies that classic cosmic look and a little crunch on top.

How to make vegan cosmic brownies

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the melted dairy-free butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Let the mixture cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the rest of the ingredients.
Add the applesauce, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Stir until fully combined.
Add the cocoa powder and flour, mixing until almost combined. The batter will be thick.
Fold in the remaining melted butter until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 20 minutes, then let the brownies cool completely before adding the ganache.

How to make the ganache

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the vegan heavy cream for about 1 minute until hot but not boiling.
Add the vegan chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes without stirring.
After resting, stir until smooth and fully melted.
Let the ganache cool for about 30 minutes, until it thickens slightly but is still spreadable.
Spread over the cooled brownies and top with vegan rainbow chocolate chips.

Tips for the best cosmic brownies

Don’t skip letting the sugar mixture cool slightly so the texture stays smooth.
Mix the batter just until combined to keep the brownies fudgy.
Let the brownies cool completely before adding ganache so it sets properly.
Let the ganache thicken slightly before spreading so it doesn’t run off the top.

How to store cosmic brownies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

They also freeze well, just slice and store individually for easy grab-and-go treats.

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Vegan Cosmic Brownies

fudgy vegan brownies topped with a thick chocolate ganache and finished with vegan rainbow chips for that classic cosmic brownie look.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Chill Time: 30

Total Time: 1 5

Servings: cosmic brownies

Equipment

9×13 baking pan

Ingredients

1 1/2 sticks dairy-free salted butter melted (divided)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
5 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour

Ganache:

1/2 cup vegan heavy cream
1 bag vegan chocolate chips
Vegan rainbow chocolate chips for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 stick melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Microwave for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and glossy.
Let mixture cool slightly. Add applesauce, cornstarch, vanilla, and baking soda. Stir until fully combined.
Add cocoa powder and flour, mixing until almost combined.
Fold in remaining melted butter until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
Bake for 20 minutes, then cool completely.
Heat heavy cream for about 1 minute. Add chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes.
Stir until smooth, then let cool for about 30 minutes until slightly thickened.
Spread ganache over cooled brownies and top with vegan rainbow chocolate chips.

Course: Dessert