Cottage Cheese Brownies with Vanilla Bean

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Vanilla Bean
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Oven Planning

I absolutely love these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Vanilla Bean! The rich, fudgy texture combined with the subtle warmth of vanilla creates a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. What I enjoy the most is how easy they are to whip up, and the fact that they incorporate cottage cheese for an unexpected creaminess. Whenever I serve them, everyone is surprised to find out they're made with such a wholesome ingredient. It's a beautiful blend of indulgence and nutrition that I can feel good about sharing!

Created by

Questa Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:58:37.906Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in dessert, I was nervous. Would the texture be odd? However, I was pleasantly surprised when these brownies turned out to be incredibly moist and rich, all thanks to the cottage cheese. It acts as a natural binder while boosting the protein content, making this recipe not only delicious but also nourishing.

The addition of vanilla bean gives these brownies a fragrant pop that elevates them from ordinary chocolate desserts. Don’t hesitate to try serving these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top; it's the perfect pairing!

Reasons You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with hints of fragrant vanilla
Creamy texture derived from wholesome cottage cheese
Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the guilt

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Using cottage cheese in brownies not only increases their nutritional value but also contributes to a rich, moist texture. This dairy product is surprisingly versatile; it helps bind ingredients while adding creaminess without dominating the chocolate flavor. The result is a brownie that feels decadent yet is lower in fat compared to traditional recipes. For those who are concerned about the taste, rest assured that the cottage cheese flavor is masked by the chocolate and vanilla, making these brownies a flavorful treat without the typical guilt.

If you’re looking to make these brownies dairy-free or vegan, you can substitute the cottage cheese with blended silken tofu or a commercially available dairy-free cream cheese. The consistency is similar and will maintain the fudgy texture that you desire. Just make sure to blend thoroughly so that no lumps remain.

Mastering the Mixing Technique

When combining wet and dry ingredients, it's crucial to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, as it develops the gluten in the flour more than necessary. Instead, gently fold the blended wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined. The batter should still have some lumps; this will result in a tender texture. Cutting through the batter with a rubber spatula is an effective technique to ensure the ingredients are barely combined without losing the necessary air for the brownies to rise.

If you notice that your brownie batter is very thick, don’t panic! This is normal due to the cottage cheese content. Just ensure that it spreads out evenly in the baking pan, using the back of a spoon if necessary. Remember to check for doneness not just by time, but also by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process!

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Let's get started by preparing our brownie batter!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds, and blend until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Fold the blended wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Pour and Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious cottage cheese brownies warmed or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra decadent touch, add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter before baking.

Storage Tips

To keep your Cottage Cheese Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to enjoy them later, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure to allow them to cool completely before storing; this prevents excess moisture build-up that could make the brownies soggy. For an even longer shelf life, consider freezing the brownies. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, where they can be stored for up to three months.

When you're ready to eat the frozen brownies, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or on the countertop for about 30-40 minutes. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that soft, fudgy texture, enhancing the experience of each bite.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be enjoyed on their own, but serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience to a whole new level. The cold creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate dessert, providing a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors. To add a touch of elegance, drizzle some melted chocolate or homemade caramel sauce over the top before serving.

For a fun twist, consider adding toppings like chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips to the batter for an added crunch. This not only enhances the texture but also gives a delectable depth of flavor. Alternatively, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top just before serving to elevate the sweetness and bring a different dimension to the brownies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with another ingredient?

You could try using Greek yogurt, but it may alter the texture slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, they freeze well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.