These Cottage Cheese Brownies are a tasty twist on your favorite treat! They are rich, fudgy, and made with creamy cottage cheese for extra protein—yum!
You’ll love how simple these brownies are to whip up. I often find myself sneaking a piece before dinner—who can resist? Just bake, cool, and enjoy with a glass of milk!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Use low-fat cottage cheese for a healthier option. If you don’t have cottage cheese, Greek yogurt can be an excellent substitute, providing a similar texture and tang.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar create a nice balance in sweetness. If you’re aiming to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or a stevia blend, though it may affect the texture slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives that rich chocolate flavor. You could use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste, but keep in mind it will deepen the color.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Fudgy Texture?
Getting that perfect fudgy texture is key to these brownies! Here are some tips to help:
- Blend the cottage cheese until smooth; no lumps will ensure a consistent texture.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can make the brownies tough.
- Be mindful of baking time. Start checking around 25 minutes. They should look set but still soft in the center.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Time Needed to Prepare:
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. Once baked, let them cool before slicing into squares, so you can enjoy your gooey brownies warm or at room temperature!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to make it easy to lift your brownies out later!
2. Blend the Cottage Cheese:
In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until it’s super smooth. This will add creaminess to your brownies and help them stay moist!
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix really well until you see no lumps—this is where the magic begins!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one by one. Make sure to beat well after each addition. Once they are mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Cottage Cheese:
Gradually add the blended cottage cheese to your wet mixture, mixing until it’s all smooth and well combined.
6. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step helps prevent any clumps in the batter!
7. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until they come together. Be careful not to over-mix—this keeps your brownies tender!
8. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
If you want extra chocolate goodness, fold in the chocolate chips. It adds a fun surprise in each bite!
9. Pour into Pan:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
10. Bake to Perfection:
Pop these brownies in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Check them by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares!
12. Serve & Enjoy:
Now for the best part—enjoy your rich, fudgy cottage cheese brownies! They’re perfect with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream!
Your brownies will be dense, fudge-like, and a little tangy from the cottage cheese, giving them a unique twist without skimping on the chocolate flavor.
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead of Regular?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese is perfect for this recipe, as it maintains the texture and adds moisture without the extra calories. It’s a great way to keep the brownies lighter!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1-to-1 substitute to ensure the right consistency!
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 to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruits for an extra twist. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1/2 cup so it doesn’t affect the batter consistency.
