Description
Cottage Cheese Brownies offer a delightful twist on classic brownies by incorporating creamy cottage cheese for enhanced moisture and a protein boost. These rich, fudgy brownies deliver a tender texture and deep chocolate flavor, making them a healthier, indulgent treat perfect for any dessert occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, drained
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour/gluten-free blend as variations)
- 3/4 cup sugar (brown sugar preferred for caramel hint)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (or oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks or mini chips
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1/3 cup dried cherries or raspberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a suitable baking pan. Measure all ingredients carefully. If needed, drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese using a fine mesh strainer to ensure a thicker batter and improved texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until well combined. Stir in the melted butter (or oil), vanilla extract, and drained cottage cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
- Bring It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a dense and fudgy texture.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: Fold in any desired add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, espresso powder, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges appear set but the center still feels soft. Use a toothpick to check doneness; moist crumbs indicate the perfect fudgy finish.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing to preserve their fudgy texture and rich flavor. Garnish as desired with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chopped nuts.
Notes
- Drain your cottage cheese well to prevent soggy batter and improve thickness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender and fudgy.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for even baking.
- Choose a high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor.
- Test doneness with a toothpick inserted near the center; a few moist crumbs are ideal.
- For vegan variations, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and cottage cheese alternatives like silken tofu.
- Brownies freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore softness without drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (if cut into 12 pieces)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cottage cheese brownies, protein brownies, fudgy brownies, moist brownies, healthy brownies, chocolate dessert
