Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Cocoa

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Cocoa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup melted coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Collection

I love whipping up these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Cocoa whenever I crave something rich yet healthier. The combination of cottage cheese and dark cocoa creates a unique texture that you won’t find in traditional brownies. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some protein! These brownies are incredibly moist and fudgy, making them perfect for an afternoon treat or a late-night snack. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation for those special moments.

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:12:37.056Z

On my quest to create a healthier brownie, I stumbled upon the idea of incorporating cottage cheese. I was skeptical at first, but the creamy texture it offers is simply divine. The key is to blend the cottage cheese until smooth to ensure it melds beautifully with the cocoa and other ingredients. I often experiment with different types of dark cocoa, and I’ve found that using a high-quality cocoa powder really elevates the chocolate flavor.

I remember making these brownies for a gathering, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone was intrigued by the secret ingredient, and many couldn't believe it when I revealed it was cottage cheese! This recipe has become a staple for me, especially when I want to indulge without the guilt.

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cottage cheese
Lower in calories while still delivering on taste
Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the guilt

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Using cottage cheese in these brownies not only adds a creamy texture but also significantly enhances the protein content. When blended smoothly, it integrates seamlessly into the batter, almost like a rich custard. I recommend using a full-fat cottage cheese for added richness, but low-fat options can work as well if you’re looking to reduce calories without sacrificing moisture.

The key to achieving that optimal texture lies in how well you blend the cottage cheese. A high-speed blender or food processor works wonderfully here, and you should aim for a completely smooth consistency. This process helps to break down the curds, ensuring they don't disrupt the fudgy nature of the brownies.

Cocoa Powder Choices

Choosing the right cocoa powder is crucial for the depth of flavor in these brownies. Dark cocoa powder, like Dutch-processed cocoa, has a rich, robust chocolate taste that enhances the overall flavor profile. You may substitute it with regular unsweetened cocoa powder if needed; just be aware that the final color and taste will be slightly milder.

Remember that cocoa powder absorbs moisture from the batter, so it’s important to measure accurately. If your cocoa powder has been sitting in your pantry for a while, give it a quick sift before adding to the mixture. This prevents clumping and ensures it mixes evenly into the batter.

Storing and Serving Tips

Once baked, these brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze individual squares for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a gooey experience.

For an extra touch, consider serving these brownies with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tangy flavor from the yogurt or ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate. You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking for added texture and flavor variation.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

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 ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted coconut oil. Mix until well combined.

Add the dry ingredients

Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then add the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 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 transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. They not only enhance the texture but also add another depth of flavor.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your brownies come out too dry, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Once you add the dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. You want to see a few flour streaks; that’s a good indicator to stop mixing. Also, be careful with baking time. Keep an eye on them after the 20-minute mark, as ovens vary slightly.

On the other hand, if your brownies end up too gooey in the middle, it may be because they weren't baked long enough. Stick a toothpick in the center—and if it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes. Expect to see moist crumbs attached to the toothpick, not wet batter, for the ideal fudgy texture.

Variations to Try

For a twist on the classic, try adding a handful of your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the batter before baking. This not only adds a nice crunch but also enhances the nutrient profile with healthy fats. Alternatively, add some mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness and chocolate delight.

If you’re looking to infuse some fruitiness, fold in a mashed ripe banana or some pureed pumpkin, which will work beautifully as well. Both additions can provide additional moisture and unique flavor without overpowering the chocolate richness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as alternatives, but the texture may vary slightly.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.