Cottage Cheese Brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! Made with creamy cottage cheese, these brownies are rich and fudgy without being too heavy. They’re a guilt-free snack!
When I bake these, I always grab an extra piece because they are just so yummy! Plus, they pack a protein punch. Enjoying them with a scoop of ice cream is a must for me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the show! It gives the brownies moisture and protein. If you’re a little hesitant about using cottage cheese, you can swap it out for Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a similar texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but feel free to try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you want to reduce the sweetness or calories. Just note that it might change the texture a bit.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over the salt content. You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan option.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder packs a rich chocolate flavor. If you want a deeper taste, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Fluffy and Moist?
Getting the right texture in brownies can be tricky! Follow these tips to achieve fluffy, moist results:
- Blend the cottage cheese until it’s super smooth to avoid any graininess.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; this keeps the brownies from becoming tough.
- Check for doneness a minute or two early, as oven temperatures can vary. You want moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Letting the brownies cool in the pan enhances their fudgy texture. Once cool, they’ll cut beautifully!
Cottage Cheese Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to allow time for the brownies to cool before cutting into them. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to an hour before they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan. Line it with parchment paper or greased foil to make removing the brownies easy later!
2. Blend the Cottage Cheese:
Place the cottage cheese into a blender or food processor. Blend it until it’s very smooth and creamy; this is important to avoid any lumps in your brownies.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the smooth cottage cheese, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well and smooth.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting helps to avoid clumps and ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a gentle stirring motion until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
6. Pour and Spread:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly in the pan.
7. Baking Time:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
8. Cooling Your Brownies:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling process helps them firm up perfectly!
9. Serving:
After the brownies have cooled, cut them into squares. You can enjoy them plain or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or even a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
Enjoy your rich, fudgy cottage cheese brownies! They have a delightful texture and a chocolaty flavor you’ll love.
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer! It will still provide a great creamy texture, though the brownies might be slightly less rich than when using full-fat.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the pan. About 1/2 cup should work well without overpowering the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have an 8×8-Inch Pan?
If you don’t have an 8×8-inch pan, you can use a 9×9-inch pan instead. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as the brownies may cook slightly quicker in a larger pan. Check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.