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Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Fudgy Cosmic Brownies

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When it came to Little Debbie snacks, our family was more of a Nutty Bars household than cosmic brownies. Even so, I still had my fair share of cosmic brownies while growing up...usually from strategic food trades made in the lunch room. Although it's been a long time since I've bitten into a Little Debbie cosmic brownie, I haven't forgotten how dense and sweet and fudgy they are.

This recreation of Cosmic Brownies is even better than the Little Debbie snacks in my memories. Once again, homemade > store-bought! They are just as dense and sweet and fudgy, but without that "packaged and sitting in a box for a few months" taste, if you know what I mean. Storing them in the fridge ensured that they stayed together well for several days, no plastic packaging needed! The ganache on these reminded me of my favorite brownies, and I think I'm officially convinced that adding ganache to any brownie automatically makes it better. 

If you were a Little Debbie Cosmic Brownie fan, you must make these and compare. If you are just simply a good brownie fan, you must make these and enjoy!

Two Years Ago: Cranberry Coleslaw

Fudgy Cosmic Brownies
from Fake Ginger

Ingredients:
-1 cup granulated sugar
-2/3 cup brown sugar
-1 1/2 sticks butter, melted (3/4 cup)
-2 tbsp water
-2 large eggs
-2 tsp vanilla
-1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
-3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
-1/2 tsp baking powder
-1/4 tsp salt

for the ganache-
-1/2 cup heavy cream
-7 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or use chocolate chips)
-pinch of salt
-sprinkles, for decorating

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with aluminum foil and grease. Set aside.
2. Whisk together sugars, butter, and water in a large bowl. Stir in eggs and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir to combine. Use a spatula to spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 18 minutes--do not over bake!
4. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. While brownies are cooling, make the ganache. Place the chocolate in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan, just until simmering. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate. Sprinkle with salt and allow to sit for 1-2 full minutes. Use a spatula to stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Once brownies are mostly cool, pour ganache over the brownies and spread evenly. Top with sprinkles. Refrigerate until set.