Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut flour; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Oven Planning

I absolutely adore how these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter balance indulgence with nutrition. When I first decided to make brownies using cottage cheese, I was skeptical about the texture, but they turned out wonderfully moist and fudgy. The combination of almond butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste, turning a classic dessert into a delightful, healthier treat. Perfect for satisfying a chocolate craving without the guilt!

Created by

Questa Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:09:34.467Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in baking, I was amazed at how it could create such a rich, moist brownie. The secret lies in the protein content, which keeps the brownies from becoming dry. I served these to my friends at a gathering, and they couldn't believe they were made with cottage cheese!

The almond butter takes it to another level, providing a lovely creaminess and a boost of healthy fats. I love enjoying them with a cup of coffee, making for a perfect afternoon snack that feels indulgent without the heavy feeling that often comes with traditional brownies.

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with a creamy texture from cottage cheese
Nutty almond butter adds depth and healthy fats
Guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your sweet tooth

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Using blended cottage cheese instead of traditional fat sources offers a unique twist to brownies. This ingredient contributes protein and moisture, making the brownies fudgy without relying solely on butter or oil. Be sure to blend the cottage cheese until it is completely smooth; any lumps can affect the texture of the finished product. A food processor works best for this task, giving you that delightful creamy consistency you want in your brownies.

Cottage cheese also plays a significant role in enhancing the nutritional profile of these brownies. It provides calcium and some B vitamins, making these treats not only indulgent but also a bit healthier. When combined with cocoa powder, it can create a rich, satisfying chocolate flavor while keeping the calories in check. This combination allows you to enjoy a classic dessert with a nourishing twist.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the right texture in these brownies is crucial. The key is to ensure all ingredients are well mixed to avoid any separation. Overmixing, however, can lead to a dense result, so aim for a smooth batter without overdoing it. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you can no longer see dry cocoa or flour. This will help maintain that fudgy, moist texture that makes these brownies so appealing.

Another important tip is to monitor baking time. Ovens can vary, and while the recipe suggests 25 minutes, check for doneness a few minutes early. Test with a toothpick; ideally, it should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than completely clean. This will help you avoid overbaking, which can cause the brownies to become dry.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To enhance your Cottage Cheese Brownies, consider serving them warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Drizzling a little chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can also elevate their visual appeal and flavor. Offering these brownies with a side of fresh berries can introduce a fresh tartness that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate taste.

If you're looking to customize these brownies, try swapping in different nut butters, like peanut or cashew, for a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with mix-ins, such as dark chocolate chips, or even swirl in some fruit puree before baking for an additional layer of flavor. Just be cautious not to alter the wet and dry ratios too dramatically to maintain the brownies’ texture.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up these delightful brownies!

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut flour
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Mix these ingredients together, and prepare to enjoy a deliciously unique treat!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect brownies!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the cocoa powder, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until smooth.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Once cooled, enjoy your scrumptious brownies!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider folding in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking. These brownies can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, these brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they will remain fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them. Just wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their moist texture.

To reheat, simply microwave a frozen brownie for about 20-30 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. If you're looking to serve them warm, the microwave is a quick option. Just be mindful not to overheat them, as this can dry them out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your brownies are too dense, it may be due to excessive mixing or improper ingredient ratios. Always measure your ingredients accurately, especially the dry ones like flour and cocoa. If you think your brownie mix is too thick, you can try adding a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up just before baking.

In case your brownies come out too dry, it’s often a sign that they were overbaked. Make sure to test them for doneness earlier than the suggested time. Remember, brownies continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven, so taking them out when they still appear slightly underdone can help maintain that moist texture.

Scaling the Recipe

If you wish to make a larger batch of these brownies, simply double the recipe and use a 9x13 inch pan instead of the 9x9 inch one. This will ensure they bake evenly, but remember to check for doneness as the baking time might slightly increase. It's crucial to pour the batter evenly into the pan to avoid uneven baking with some parts becoming too cooked while others remain underdone.

Conversely, if you're looking to make a smaller batch, you can halve the ingredients and use a smaller pan, such as an 8x8 inch. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need to decrease slightly to accommodate the smaller volume of ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the almond butter?

Yes, you can use peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

You can use cashew or coconut cream as an alternative to cottage cheese for a dairy-free version.

→ How can I reduce the sweetness?

You can adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste, or use a sugar substitute.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to three months.