Cottage cheese brownies might seem unconventional at first, but these little squares of goodness are truly a delightful treat that checks all the boxes for a satisfying dessert. With a texture that’s moist and fudgy, they’re made wholesome with cottage cheese, adding a surprising kick of protein. Imagine biting into these brownies and being enveloped in rich chocolate flavor, while knowing they’re packing a nutritious punch. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or served alongside a cup of coffee, these cottage cheese brownies offer a unique twist that sets them apart from the usual dessert fare.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein

Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein

The moment I discovered this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite. They’re quick to whip up on a busy weekday or to indulge in over the weekend. Forget the overly sweet store-bought options; these brownies keep it real with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health—every bite is a reminder that dessert can be both delicious and nutritious. I can’t wait for you to try these cottage cheese brownies delicious high protein!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking, you’ll have brownies ready to enjoy in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich cocoa powder and melted chocolate chips creates a decadent chocolate experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Deep brown squares studded with melty chocolate chips are sure to impress friends and family.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy these brownies as a mid-afternoon snack, a post-workout treat, or a guilt-free dessert at any gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and high in protein, making them a smart choice that caters to various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3/4 cup cottage cheese: I recommend using Good Culture for its thicker texture, which helps create a wonderfully dense brownie.
2 large eggs: Adds moisture and richness; choosing room temperature eggs allows for better blending and a smoother batter.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor, adding depth and warmth.
1/4 cup maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the brownies while providing a bit of caramel flavor.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps to balance the sweetness and contributes to the brownie’s texture.
2/3 cup almond flour: I always use King Arthur for a finer crumb; this gluten-free flour keeps the brownies moist while adding healthy fats.
1/4 cup cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa provides the rich chocolate flavor that everyone loves.
1/4 tsp baking soda: Helps the brownies rise slightly without altering the texture.
1 pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
1/3 cup chocolate chips: I prefer Ghirardelli 60% cacao for a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein

Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 325°F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This lower temperature is integral as it allows the dense batter to cook through evenly, preventing the edges from drying out while ensuring the center is perfectly set.

Blend Ingredients: Combine 3/4 cup cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a blender. Blend the mixture on high for 60-90 seconds until it’s completely smooth without any lumps. I find that using a blender over a food processor yields a finer texture, perfect for brownies, so make sure to take your time here!

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Whisking instead of stirring helps incorporate air into the batter, ensuring the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, which is vital for achieving that slightly risen brownie structure.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the blended wet mixture from the blender into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the two together using a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the almond flour brownies tough. You want a homogenous batter without streaks of dry flour.

Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1/3 cup chocolate chips into the batter. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. For an extra touch, you can reserve a few chocolate chips to press on top before baking—they add a beautiful presentation and melty surprise!

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the tops should look set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs. The key here is not to overbake; you want these brownies to remain fudgy and moist. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before cutting into 9 or 12 squares. Don’t worry if they’re a bit fragile; they’ll set up more as they cool!

Storing & Reheating

Store your cottage cheese brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to refresh their warmth and softness. Just be aware that freezing may slightly alter their texture, but the flavor will still be delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them blend better into the mixture, creating a smoother batter.
Baking Time is Key: If you prefer fudgier brownies, check them at the 18-minute mark. Remember, they will continue to firm as they cool.
Flavor Enhancements: For a flavor twist, consider adding a touch of espresso powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon to boost the chocolate flavor even further.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the batter a day in advance and bake it fresh the next day for an even more convenient treat.

Cottage cheese brownies deliver a winning combination of health and indulgence. These delightful treats are not just about being a dessert; they are a way to enjoy the balance of nutrition and flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different additions like nuts or dried fruits to make this recipe your own. Whether it’s for a snack, a party, or something special after dinner, I’m excited for you to indulge in these satisfying brownie squares. Enjoy each bite—you deserve it!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour instead of almond flour?

Absolutely! While almond flour keeps these brownies gluten-free, you can substitute with oat flour or all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that this may alter the protein content and texture slightly, so adjust your baking time as needed.

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?

If you prefer not to use cottage cheese, Greek yogurt is a great alternative that will still keep the brownies moist and fluffy. You can also use ricotta cheese, but it may change the texture slightly.

Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

Yes! To make these brownies dairy-free, use a plant-based cottage cheese or swap it with vegan cream cheese. Additionally, ensure the chocolate chips used are dairy-free.

How do I ensure my brownies are fudgy?

To maintain a fudgy texture, avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness at the 18-minute mark, and remove them as soon as the top looks set, even if they seem slightly underbaked in the center. They’ll continue to cook slightly while cooling.

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Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Cottage Cheese Brownies are rich in flavor and packed with protein. They’re simple to prepare and perfect for anyone looking for a healthier dessert option with delicious chocolatey goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup cottage cheese
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup almond flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 pinch of salt
1/3 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a blender, combine cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and sugar. Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
Add the blended wet mixture to the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 18-22 minutes until the top is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool, then cut into squares.

Notes

Using a blender creates a finer texture for the brownies.
Do not overmix the batter to prevent toughness.
Top the brownies with reserved chocolate chips for presentation.