Homemade Cosmic Brownies
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These homemade cosmic brownies are fudgy, rich, and topped with chocolate ganache and chocolate candies.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Cosmic Brownies
If you’re a fan of the classic cosmic brownies, you’re going to love this homemade version. They’re rich, fudgy, and topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and colorful sprinkles or chocolate candies.
I had my first cosmic brownie in Austin, Texas, and couldn’t wait to make my own version at home. Since we don’t have them in the UK, I was determined to recreate them but better. This recipe is the result, and it’s sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
What Makes These Brownies Special?
These brownies are everything you want in a chocolate brownie —dense, fudgy, and loaded with chocolate flavour. The ganache topping takes them to the next level, creating a smooth, glossy finish.
The addition of colorful sprinkles or candies adds a nostalgic touch, making these brownies fun for kids and adults alike. They’re great for parties, afternoon snacks, or a fun baking project at home.
Equipment You’ll Need
To make these brownies, you’ll need:
- 8×8-inch square tin – The perfect size for thick, fudgy brownies. A 9×9-inch tin also works for thinner brownies.
- Mixing bowls – For the brownie batter
- Microwave-safe bowl or jug – for melting the chocolate ganache.
- Spatula or spoons – For mixing and spreading the batter and topping.
- Parchment/Baking paper – To line the tin for easy removal.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Cosmic Brownies
- Cool Before Topping: Let the brownies cool completely before adding the ganache to ensure a smooth, even finish. I like to refrigerate my brownies for the super fudgy texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the brownies as they bake. They should have cracked edges and a crackly top for the perfect fudgy texture.
Ingredients for Homemade Cosmic Brownies
For the Brownie:
- 170 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (¾ cup)
- 150 g caster sugar (¾ cup granulated sugar)
- 100 g light brown sugar (½ cup packed light brown sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 125 g dark chocolate, melted and cooled slightly (4.5 oz)
- 100 g plain flour (¾ cup all-purpose flour)
- 30 g cocoa powder (⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 150 g dark chocolate (5.3 oz)
- 100 ml double/heavy cream (⅓ cup)
- Sprinkles or chocolate candies (to decorate)
How to Make Homemade Cosmic Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Tin and Preheat the Oven
Line an 8×8-inch tin with parchment paper, ensuring it extends over the edges for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan)/375°F.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer) whisk together the melted butter, caster sugar, and light brown sugar until fully combined.
Add the eggs and whisk them really well until the mixture turns lighter in colour and becomes nice and thick – this may take several minutes.
Whisk in the melted dark chocolate until fully incorporated.
Sift in the plain flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are cracked and the middle no longer wobbles.
Allow the brownies to cool fully in the tin before moving on to the topping.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
In a microwave-safe bowl or jug, combine the dark chocolate and heavy cream. Heat on medium (about 500W) for 1 minute, then let it rest for a couple minutes. Gently stir it together until it’s smooth and glossy. If the chocolate isn’t melting, microwave again for a further 20-30 seconds and continue stiring until it comes together.
Step 5: Add the Decorations
Once the ganache is spread evenly, sprinkle the top with colorful sprinkles or chocolate candies. For a fun twist, use themed sprinkles to match a holiday or special occasion.
Step 6: Set, Slice and Serve
Pop the brownies in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to let the chocolate ganache set and to give the brownie that perfect fudgy texture. Slice them cold with a sharp knife for perfect clean cuts. These brownies are very rich, so I tend to slice it into 16 or more pieces.
Why These Brownies Are Better Than Store-Bought
These homemade cosmic brownies take everything you love about the store-bought version and elevate it. They’re fresher, more flavourful, and have a richer, fudgier texture.
The ganache topping is smooth and indulgent, and you can customize the decorations to suit your style or event.
Tips for Success
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using a scale ensures consistent results every time.
- Chill for Clean Slices: For the best presentation and texture, chill the brownies in the fridge for at least a few hours before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are perfect on their own, but you could also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate chocolate dessert!
For a fun dessert bar, pair them with other chocolatey desserts like cookies or truffles. They’re also great with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Watch My Step-by-Step Video
Want to see how these brownies come together? Watch my video tutorial on the Fitwaffle Kitchen YouTube channel.
For more recipes and baking tips, follow me on Instagram @fitwafflekitchen and TikTok @fitwaffle!
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
These homemade cosmic brownies are nostalgic, fun, and completely delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party, a gift, or just for yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
The combination of fudgy brownies, rich ganache, and colourful sprinkles makes them as visually appealing as they are tasty.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this recipe, check out these other chocolatey recipes from Fitwaffle Kitchen:
- Cadbury’s Caramel Blondies: A decadent caramel blondie loaded with Dairy Milk Caramel chunks and white chocolate chunks.
- White Chocolate Blondies: The ultimate blondie, soft, chewy and delicious.
Both recipes are perfect for any chocolate lover!
Homemade Cosmic Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownie:
- 170 g unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly (¾ cup)
- 150 g caster sugar ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 100 g light brown sugar ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 125 g dark chocolate melted and cooled slightly (4.5 oz)
- 100 g plain flour ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 30 g cocoa powder ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 150 g dark chocolate 5.3 oz
- 100 ml double/heavy cream ⅓ cup
- Sprinkles or chocolate candies to decorate
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tin and Preheat the Oven
- Line an 8x8-inch tin with parchment paper, ensuring it extends over the edges for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan)/375°F.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer) whisk together the melted butter, caster sugar, and light brown sugar until fully combined.
- Add the eggs and whisk them really well until the mixture turns lighter in colour and becomes nice and thick - this may take several minutes.
- Whisk in the melted dark chocolate until fully incorporated.
- Sift in the plain flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are cracked and the middle no longer wobbles.
- Allow the brownies to cool fully in the tin before moving on to the topping.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- In a microwave-safe bowl or jug, combine the dark chocolate and heavy cream.
- Heat on medium (about 500W) for 1 minute, then let it rest for a couple minutes. Gently stir it together until it's smooth and glossy. If the chocolate isn't melting, microwave again for a further 20-30 seconds and continue stiring until it comes together.
Step 5: Add the Decorations
- Once the ganache is spread evenly, sprinkle the top with colorful sprinkles or chocolate candies. For a fun twist, use themed sprinkles to match a holiday or special occasion.
Step 6: Set, Slice and Serve
- Pop the brownies in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to let the chocolate ganache set and to give the brownie that perfect fudgy texture.
- Slice them cold with a sharp knife for perfect clean cuts. These brownies are very rich, so I tend to slice it into 16 or more pieces.
Hi! These look great, I can’t wait to try them! I was wondering if they freeze well, with the frosting on? Also, what % dark chocolate do you use?