Cosmic Crumbl Galaxy Brownie: A Little Debbie Inspired Delight

Are you ready to blast off into a world of chocolatey, fudgy goodness? If you’re a fan of Crumbl’s decadent brownies and have a soft spot for Little Debbie’s Cosmic Brownies, then you’re in for a treat! This recipe combines the best of both worlds, resulting in a stunning and utterly irresistible Galaxy Brownie. Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie base, swirled with vibrant colors, topped with a generous layer of rich chocolate ganache, and studded with those iconic rainbow chips. It’s a cosmic explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more.

This recipe is a bit of a project, but trust me, the results are worth every minute. We’ll break it down into manageable steps, from creating the perfect brownie batter to crafting the dreamy ganache and achieving that signature galaxy swirl. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will help you create a bakery-worthy treat that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Fudgy and Rich:** The brownie base is incredibly fudgy, thanks to the combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder. It’s the perfect canvas for all the other delicious elements.
* **Cosmic Appearance:** The vibrant galaxy swirl and rainbow chip topping make these brownies visually stunning. They’re perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a special treat.
* **Inspired by Crumbl and Little Debbie:** This recipe pays homage to two iconic treats, bringing together the best qualities of each. You get the gourmet feel of a Crumbl brownie with the nostalgic charm of a Cosmic Brownie.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the colors, toppings, and even the brownie base to your liking. This recipe is a great starting point for your own creative experiments.
* **Impressive yet Achievable:** While the recipe involves several steps, it’s surprisingly easy to follow. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create bakery-quality brownies at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. It’s always a good idea to measure everything out in advance so you can stay organized and avoid any last-minute surprises.

**For the Brownies:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 4 large eggs
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* ½ teaspoon baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
* Gel food coloring (blue, purple, pink) – optional for swirling effect.

**For the Chocolate Ganache:**

* 1 cup heavy cream
* 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

**For the Topping:**

* Rainbow candy chips (like the ones on Cosmic Brownies) – about 1 cup
* Optional: edible glitter, sprinkles, or other decorations

Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls (various sizes)
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Rubber spatula
* Microwave-safe bowl
* Small saucepan
* Toothpicks or skewers
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Cosmic Crumbl Galaxy Brownies.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Then, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan later.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
5. Gently fold in the melted and slightly cooled chocolate until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create the Galaxy Swirl (Optional)

1. Divide the brownie batter into several small bowls (3-4 bowls).
2. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl, using different colors (blue, purple, pink). Stir gently until the color is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Drop spoonfuls of each colored batter randomly into the prepared baking pan.
4. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the colors together, creating a galaxy-like effect. Be careful not to overmix, as this will muddy the colors.
5. If you prefer a more uniform brownie without the swirl, simply skip the food coloring and pour the entire batter into the prepared pan.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry brownies.
2. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the hot cream over the finely chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Let the mixture sit for 1 minute to allow the chocolate to melt.
4. Add the butter and whisk until smooth and glossy. The ganache should be thick and luxurious.
5. If the chocolate doesn’t melt completely, microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate the Brownies

1. Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top.
2. Immediately sprinkle the rainbow candy chips over the ganache while it’s still wet. This will ensure that the chips adhere properly.
3. Optional: Add edible glitter, sprinkles, or other decorations to enhance the cosmic effect.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

1. Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set. This will make them easier to cut and serve.
2. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan.
3. Cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

* **Use high-quality chocolate:** The quality of the chocolate will significantly impact the flavor of the brownies and ganache. Opt for a good-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best results.
* **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
* **Don’t overbake the brownies:** Overbaking will result in dry brownies. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
* **Cool the brownies completely before frosting:** Frosting warm brownies can cause the ganache to melt and become runny.
* **Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors:** Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so it will produce more vibrant colors without adding excess liquid to the batter.
* **Work quickly when adding the toppings:** The ganache sets quickly, so sprinkle the rainbow candy chips and other decorations immediately after spreading the ganache.
* **Chill the brownies before cutting:** Chilling the brownies will make them easier to cut into clean squares.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Chocolate:** Experiment with different types of chocolate for the brownie base or ganache. Try using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Extracts:** Add a different extract to the brownie batter, such as peppermint extract, almond extract, or coffee extract.
* **Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free butter and chocolate for a dairy-free version.
* **Different Toppings:** Get creative with the toppings! Try using chopped candy bars, pretzels, or sea salt.

Serving Suggestions

* **Serve chilled or at room temperature:** These brownies are delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
* **Pair with a scoop of ice cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream is the perfect complement to these rich brownies.
* **Serve with a glass of milk:** A glass of cold milk is a classic pairing for brownies.
* **Cut into smaller squares for parties:** These brownies are rich, so cut them into smaller squares for parties or gatherings.
* **Wrap individually for gifts:** These brownies make a thoughtful and delicious gift. Wrap them individually in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon.

Storage Instructions

* **Store in an airtight container:** Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
* **Freeze for longer storage:** For longer storage, freeze the brownies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 75-100mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 40-50g
* Protein: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use a different size baking pan?**

A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. If you use a smaller pan, the brownies will be thicker and may require a longer baking time. If you use a larger pan, the brownies will be thinner and may require a shorter baking time. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness with a toothpick.

**Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can make the brownies ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

**Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?**

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of sugar. For example, you could use coconut sugar or maple syrup. However, keep in mind that this may affect the taste and texture of the brownies.

**Q: My ganache is too thick. What should I do?**

A: If your ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Repeat as needed until you reach the desired consistency.

**Q: My ganache is too thin. What should I do?**

A: If your ganache is too thin, place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow it to thicken. Whisk occasionally to prevent it from becoming too hard.

**Q: Where can I find the rainbow candy chips?**

A: Rainbow candy chips can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. They are often located near the sprinkles and other cake decorating supplies. You can also find them online.

**Q: Can I add other toppings?**

A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Some other ideas include chopped nuts, pretzels, sea salt, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed Oreo cookies.

A Cosmic Finale

These Cosmic Crumbl Galaxy Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. From the fudgy, chocolatey base to the vibrant galaxy swirl and the satisfying crunch of the rainbow chips, every bite is a celebration. This recipe combines the best of Crumbl’s decadent brownies and Little Debbie’s iconic Cosmic Brownies, resulting in a truly unforgettable treat. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure. You’ll be rewarded with a batch of brownies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Happy baking!