These Cottage Cheese Brownies are a fun twist on classic brownies! They are moist and gooey thanks to the cottage cheese, giving them a unique texture you’ll love.
Who knew brownies could be a little healthier? I like to sneak these into lunchboxes, and my kids have no idea they’re eating cottage cheese. Sneaky mom points! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the show! The creaminess adds moisture to the brownies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended until smooth, or use ricotta cheese for a similar texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens these brownies perfectly. If you want a lower sugar option, consider using coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just be sure to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for baking, as it lets you control the saltiness. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, you can substitute coconut oil or even applesauce for part of the butter to cut some calories.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies that rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa or even chocolate syrup in a pinch—just reduce the sugar to balance sweetness.
How Do I Blend Cottage Cheese Smoothly for Brownies?
The texture of your brownies greatly depends on how smooth your cottage cheese is. Here’s how to achieve that silky consistency:
- Use a blender or food processor to blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth. This avoids any curds in your brownies!
- Start with short bursts and scrape down the sides as needed. You want a creamy texture without lumps.
- If you’re short on time, you can use ricotta cheese instead, which is often smoother straight from the container.
Delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time, plus 25-30 minutes for baking. You’ll want to let the brownies cool for a bit after baking, so plan for a total of about 45 minutes to an hour before you can enjoy your tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease or line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the brownies after baking!
2. Blend the Cottage Cheese:
Next, take your cottage cheese and blend it in a food processor or blender until it’s completely smooth. This step is key to avoid any curdy texture in your brownies!
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the smooth cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. You want to make sure all the ingredients are nicely incorporated.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to aerate the dry ingredients and makes for a lighter brownie!
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Add Chocolate Chips:
If you want that extra chocolatey goodness, fold in your chocolate chips or chopped chocolate at this stage. Yum!
7. Pour and Spread:
Now it’s time to pour your batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly out to the corners.
8. Bake the Brownies:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter!
9. Cool Down:
Once they’re done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. This is important for setting the brownies before you cut them!
10. Serve & Enjoy:
After they’ve cooled, cut the brownies into squares. They’re rich, chocolatey, and bursting with flavor! Enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with a glass of milk or your favorite snack!
Can I Use Non-Fat Cottage Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Non-fat cottage cheese works just as well, and it will still keep your brownies moist. Just be sure to blend it well for a smooth texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute Eggs in This Recipe?
Yes, if you need an egg substitute, you can use applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit until gel-like) for each egg. This will maintain the moisture in the brownies!
What Can I Serve with These Brownies?
These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat!
