Viral Cosmic Brownie Balls (Healthy Vegan Brownie Bites)

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If you loved Cosmic Brownies as a kid, these Viral Cosmic Brownie Balls are for you. They’re rich, fudgy, packed with chocolate flavor, and made with simple vegan ingredients. Best of all, there’s no baking required!

An up close picture of these brownie balls.

Let’s talk about these viral TikTok brownie balls and why they have taken the internet by storm. With just a handful of pantry staples and a food processor, these vegan brownie balls come together in minutes and taste like a rich, fudgy brownie truffle.

When these no-bake Cosmic Brownie Balls started popping up all over my feed, I knew I had to try them. One bite and I completely understood the hype. They reminded me of the Cosmic Brownies I loved as a kid, but made with simple ingredients and higher protein.

If you love easy no-bake treats, be sure to check out my Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Stuffed Dates, Vegan Protein Twix Bars, and Peanut Butter Cookie Poppers.

A huge thank you to Elle Gibsonn for the original inspiration. I made a few simple swaps and topped mine with colorful chocolate candies for that classic Cosmic Brownie look.

Table of Contents

Spotlight on These Viral Cosmic 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

Why are these brownie balls viral?

These brownie balls went viral because they taste like a fudgy brownie truffle while requiring just a handful of ingredients and no baking. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and topped with colorful chocolate candies that remind many people of classic Cosmic Brownies.

Are brownie balls healthy?

Yes! These brownie balls are made with simple ingredients like dates, cacao powder, and nut butter. They provide healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness, making them a more wholesome option than many store-bought desserts.

Are these brownie balls good for a lunchbox snack?

These brownie balls are perfect for meal prep, after-school snacks, healthy desserts, lunchboxes, post-workout snacks, afternoon sweet cravings, and road trips.

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

The dates need to be soft. I like to either leave them on the counter overnight or 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.

Can I freeze brownie balls?

Absolutely! Store the brownie balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply let it thaw for a few minutes at room temperature.

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 has hardened, transfer the brownie balls to an airtight container and refrigerate 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.

Tips and Modifications

Feel free to swap the almond butter with cashew butter, peanut butter, or your favorite nut butter. Each option will give the brownie balls a slightly different flavor.

If your dates are not soft enough, place them in a bowl of hot water for about 20 minutes. Drain well before adding them to the food processor.

The rainbow chocolate chips are optional. You can also replace them with mini, dairy-free chocolate chips.

If the mixture seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water or maple syrup at a time until it comes together. If it feels too sticky, add a little extra protein powder or cocoa powder.

Use a small cookie scoop to create evenly sized brownie balls that look polished and professional.

Want an extra chocolatey treat? Drizzle the brownie balls with melted dairy-free chocolate before adding the rainbow chocolate chips.

A pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled on top adds a delicious sweet-and-salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.

More No-Bake Chocolate Recipes

Trail Mix Stuffed Dates

Thin Mint Viral Date Bark

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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