Name: Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup Butter (melted); 1 cup Sugar; ⅔ cup Brown Sugar; 2 count Eggs (at room temperature); 3 tablespoons Coffee; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; ¾ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder (mixed in 2 tablespoons of water); ¾ cup Flour; 1 tablespoon Cornstarch; ½ teaspoon Baking Powder

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I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a bakery, seduced by the aroma of freshly baked goods, and been instantly drawn to the Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies. It’s as if they call out to me, whispering promises of fudgy goodness and a rich, chocolatey topping that just melts in your mouth. These brownies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. I remember the first time I made them at home. My friends arrived unexpectedly, and I thought, why not whip up a batch of these delightful treats? The excitement in the kitchen was palpable as the sweet scent filled the air, and soon, everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting to indulge.

When I pulled them out of the oven, the glossy ganache was the cherry on top, literally and figuratively. It was a moment of pure joy as I saw their faces light up with delight. Sharing food has always been one of my favorite things, and there’s something about brownies that brings people together. Whether it’s a cozy get-together, a birthday party, or just a casual afternoon with coffee, these brownies are perfect for any occasion. They not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create unforgettable memories.

What makes these brownies special is the combination of flavors and textures. The addition of coffee enhances the chocolate, while the ganache gives a rich, velvety finish that takes them over the top. I promise, once you try making Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies, they will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of baking and indulging in these heavenly treats!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Whisk, Oven, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

Why This Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies Works

Irresistibly Fudgy

One of the standout features of these Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies is their incredible fudginess. The combination of melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder creates a dense and moist texture that’s hard to resist. You’ll find yourself reaching for another piece without even realizing it.

Decadent Ganache

The rich ganache made from chocolate chips and heavy cream is what elevates these brownies from good to extraordinary. It adds a silky layer that complements the brownie base perfectly, making each bite an indulgent experience. You can even experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache to find your perfect match.

Easy to Make

Don’t let the fancy appearance fool you; these brownies are surprisingly easy to make. The step-by-step process is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. You can whip up a batch in no time, perfect for last-minute gatherings.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual dessert after dinner or a centerpiece for a celebration, these brownies fit the bill. They’re versatile enough to be served at any time of the year or for any occasion. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to transport, making them a great choice for potlucks or picnics.

Customizable

You can personalize the Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies to suit your taste. Consider adding nuts, sprinkles, or even a hint of spice for a unique twist. This flexibility allows you to experiment and make the recipe your own, ensuring that it never gets boring.

Sharing the Love

There’s something special about sharing a batch of these brownies with friends and family. The joy of watching them enjoy something you’ve created is priceless. It’s a wonderful way to connect and create lasting memories around the table.

What to Gather for Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for achieving that perfect brownie texture. In this recipe, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the rich flavors and fudgy consistency that we all love. Let’s take a closer look at the key players:

¾ cup butter – This is the foundation of our brownies, providing moisture and a rich flavor.
1 cup sugar – Sweetens the brownies, balancing the richness of the cocoa powder.
⅔ cup brown sugar – Adds a lovely depth and molasses flavor.
2 eggs – Binds everything together and contributes to the fudginess.
3 tablespoons coffee – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – The heart of the brownie, giving it that deep chocolate flavor.
1 teaspoon espresso powder – A secret ingredient to boost the chocolate flavor even more.
¾ cup of flour – Provides structure to the brownies.
1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps keep the brownie texture moist and fudgy.
½ teaspoon baking powder – A little lift for the brownies.

How to Cook Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies

Baking brownies is truly a labor of love, and making Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies is no exception. Following these steps will guide you to that perfect fudgy delight. Let’s get started!

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (about 175ºC). This is an essential step to ensure that your brownies bake evenly. While the oven is warming, line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with non-stick foil or regular foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt butter using 30-second increments. Stir in between to avoid overheating. You want it just melted, not boiling. This step is crucial for the perfect brownie texture.
Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter, mixing until combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
Next, add in the eggs, coffee, and vanilla, stirring until well mixed. This is where the magic happens, as the sugars dissolve and blend with the other ingredients.
Now it’s time to add the cocoa powder and the espresso mixture. Whisk until everything is smooth—this is the base of your brownies and should be rich and dark.
Gently fold in the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Make sure not to overmix; you want to keep that fudgy texture we all love. Stir until just combined, with no visible flour remaining.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with an offset spatula. It should look even and inviting as it’s ready to go into the oven.
Bake for about 28 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top looks set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. It’s okay to have a little bit of fudginess!
Once done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is essential to achieve the right texture.
Meanwhile, prepare the ganache. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave on high for one minute. Let it sit for a few minutes.
After letting it stand, whisk the mixture to combine. If there are small lumps, microwave for an additional 15 seconds and whisk until smooth. Be patient; the ganache will come together!
Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies, smoothing it out with an offset spatula. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or candies for that extra touch.
Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting. This helps the ganache set nicely and makes cutting easier.

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t Overbake: Keeping a close eye on the brownies during the last few minutes of baking is important. Overbaking can result in dry brownies.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Cooling Time: Patience is key. Letting the brownies cool completely before cutting will prevent them from falling apart.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chunks, or flavored extracts to customize your brownies to your liking.

Ways to Customize

There are countless ways to make the Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and complement the chocolate.
Swirl in Peanut Butter: Create a peanut butter swirl in the batter for a rich and nutty flavor.
Use Dark Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate experience, try using dark chocolate for the ganache.
Top with Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the ganache can enhance the flavors and provide a nice contrast.
Change the Sprinkles: Customize the sprinkles or candies based on the season or occasion to make it more festive.
Pair with Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Make it a Layered Cake: Use the brownie mix to create layers and add frosting between for a fun twist.

Serving Ideas for Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies

Serving the Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies is an opportunity to get creative. Here are some fun and delicious ideas:

Warm with Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies topped with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delicious dessert.
With Coffee: These brownies are perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or espresso, enhancing the chocolate flavor.
For Birthdays: Add a candle to make them festive for a birthday celebration, or top with themed sprinkles.
Picnics and Potlucks: They travel well, making them a great choice for summer picnics or potluck gatherings.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze brownies for up to three months. Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly.
With Fresh Berries: Serving them alongside fresh berries can add a lovely tart contrast to the sweetness.

FAQ

The term ‘cosmic’ often refers to the unique combination of flavors and textures that elevate these brownies beyond your typical dessert. The use of rich cocoa, coffee, and a glossy ganache creates an out-of-this-world experience. Plus, the addition of sprinkles or candies gives them a fun, vibrant touch that makes them visually appealing, adding to the cosmic theme.

Absolutely! To make gluten-free Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies, simply substitute regular flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, including baking powder and cocoa powder. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out deliciously fudgy and rich.

For optimum freshness, store your Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

For the ganache, you can use semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate depending on your taste preference. Semi-sweet chocolate is the most common choice as it balances sweetness with rich chocolate flavor. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, dark chocolate is perfect. Remember, using high-quality chocolate will yield the best results!

Conclusion

The Ganache Topped Cosmic Brownies are truly a decadent treat that everyone will love. Their fudgy texture paired with the rich ganache makes them irresistible. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and give these brownies a try—they’re sure to impress friends, family, or even just yourself! Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!