Vegan Viral Brownie Balls (Cosmic Brownie Addition)

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These Vegan Viral Brownie Balls are my simple spin on the viral recipe everyone is talking about. Quick to make, wholesome, and topped with those iconic, colorful chocolate chips, they’re the perfect no-bake treat that never lasts long in our kitchen!

An up close picture of these brownie balls.

Let’s talk about these viral TikTok brownie ball treats and why they have taken the internet by storm. With just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and a food processor, these vegan brownie balls come together in minutes and taste incredible.

Everyone is making these no-bake cosmic brownie balls, and it is easy to see why. When I first saw the trend filling up my feed, I knew I had to try them, and trust me, I am so glad I did!

Thanks to Elle Gibsonn, the Goddess behind the original recipe, I made a few ingredient swaps and added the adorable colored chocolate chips to the top.

Table of Contents

Spotlight on These Vegan Viral Brownie Balls

They are easy: These brownie balls come together in minutes with just a few pantry ingredients and a food processor.
They are wholesome: Made with vegan and naturally sweet dates, they’re a healthier take on the nostalgic cosmic brownie. They are gluten-free and high in protein, too!
They are no-bake: No oven required, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights or a quick sweet craving.
They are kid-approved: The colorful chocolate chip topping makes them fun for little ones, while still being a mom-approved treat.
They are nostalgic: These brownie bites bring back childhood memories of cosmic brownies, but in a better-for-you, plant-based version.
They are portable: Perfect for an on-the-go treat when you are craving a sweet treat.
They are meal prep worthy: This recipe makes 11 balls but why not go big and double the batch for a treat that keeps on giving all week long.

The Ingredients

For the brownie balls you will need the following ingredients.

Medjool dates: Use soft, fresh Medjool dates for natural sweetness and a chewy texture. If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 20 minutes before adding them to the food processor.

Almond flour: This gluten-free flour creates a smooth base and helps bind the brownie balls while keeping them light.

Cacao powder: Rich in antioxidants, cacao powder gives these brownie balls their deep, chocolatey flavor.

Protein powder: Choose your favorite vegan chocolate protein powder for an extra boost of plant-based protein and flavor.

Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the flavor while helping the mixture stick together.

Almond butter: Use smooth, runny almond butter to add nutty flavor, healthy fats, and protein for a satisfying bite.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet depth of flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the rich, chocolate flavor in every bite.

For the chocolate coating, you will need the following ingredients.

Vegan chocolate chips: Melt these for a smooth, rich coating. Dark chocolate is also a great dairy-free option.

Coconut oil: Helps thin the melted chocolate and gives the coating a glossy, crisp finish when it sets.

Toppings: While the original recipe calls for flaky sea salt on top, I like to use rainbow chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles to make it more kid-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soak the dates before making this recipe?

The dates need to be soft. I like to soak them in hot water for 10-20 minutes but if they are already really soft, no need to soak them.

Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Yes. I would say cashew butter is the ideal swap. Peanut butter will work but will change the flavor of the balls.

What protein powder works best for these brownie balls?

Any vegan chocolate protein powder will work. If you don’t have protein powder, you can skip it, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Can I skip the chocolate coating?

Yes! They’re still delicious without it, though the coating adds that extra cosmic brownie flavor. You could also roll them in cacao powder or shredded coconut for a quicker option.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder?

Definitely. Cocoa powder will still give the brownie balls a rich chocolate flavor

Are these brownie balls gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your protein powder is certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

I do not suggest using a blender because it will be hard to remove from the bottom.

The Instructions

Step one: Add all of the brownie ingredients to the base of a food processor, starting with the soft dates. This includes Medjool dates, almond flour, cacao powder, vegan chocolate protein powder, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until a ball of dough forms and everything is nicely incorporated.

All of the brownie ball ingredients blended in a food processor.

Step two: Use a small cookie scoop to make 11 even balls. Use your hands to continue rolling them into balls. Place them on a small cookie sheet or a large plate lined with parchment paper.

The balls have been rolled and placed onto a cookie sheet.

Step three: In a small glass bowl, add the vegan chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and continue microwaving in 20-second intervals and stirring in between until fully melted.

The chocolate and coconut oil have been melted in a small bowl.

Step four: Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, rolling them around to cover the entire ball. Use the fork to lift them out of the chocolate, scraping the excess chocolate off on the side of the bowl.

The balls have been dipped entirely in melted chocolate.

Step five: Immediately press a few colored chocolate chips into the tops of each ball. You can also use rainbow sprinkles or flaky sea salt instead. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour and enjoy!

The balls have been topped with rainbow chocolate chips.

Storage

Once the chocolate is hardened, transfer the brownie balls to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 10 days.

You can freeze these balls as well. They will be good for up to two months. Allow them to thaw before enjoying them from the freezer.

Tips + Modifications

Feel free to swap the almond butter with cashew butter, peanut butter, or your favorite nut butter.

If your dates are not soft enough, place them in a bowl of hot water for about 20 minutes. Drain the water, and they will be ready to use for this recipe.

The protein powder, maple syrup, and rainbow chocolate chips for topping are all optional. The brownie balls will still be delicious if you skip any of these ingredients.

More No-Bake Chocolate Recipes

Trail Mix Stuffed Dates

Thin Mint Viral Date Bark

Vegan Chocolate Avalanche Cookies

Vegan Copy Cat Girl Scout Caramel DeLites

Copy Cat Vegan Peanut Butter Reeses Eggs

Coconut Cream Stuffed Dates in Chocolate

Strawberry Peanut Butter Chocolate Chewy Granola Bars