Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup whole wheat flour; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Smart Meals

When I first decided to make cottage cheese brownies, I was curious about how the unique ingredient would transform the classic dessert. I was pleasantly surprised when the result was a moist, fudgy treat that combined the rich flavors of chocolate and almond butter beautifully. These brownies are not only delicious but also a healthier twist on traditional brownies, thanks to the protein boost from the cottage cheese. Trust me, they’ll leave you feeling satisfied without the guilt!

Created by

Honor Blackwell

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:29:35.193Z

Initially, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese in dessert, but after experimenting with several iterations, I discovered the perfect combination. The creaminess of the cottage cheese really helps create a moist brownie that contrasts wonderfully with the nutty flavor of almond butter.

One of my key takeaways was to ensure the cottage cheese is well blended; a smooth consistency makes all the difference. I love pairing these brownies with a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an added flavor punch. They’ve become a favorite in my household!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Moist texture thanks to cottage cheese
Nutty flavor profile from almond butter
Healthier alternative to traditional brownies

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Cottage cheese plays a crucial role in these brownies, acting as a healthier fat substitute while adding moisture. When blended until smooth, it integrates seamlessly into the batter, ensuring a fudgy texture without the heavy oils typical in traditional brownies. I recommend choosing a low-fat cottage cheese to maintain that light feel without sacrificing flavor. The slightly tangy taste enhances the chocolate base, making each bite rich yet balanced.

Almond butter not only enriches the flavor but also contributes healthy fats and protein. If you're allergic to nuts or prefer a different flavor, you can easily replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini. The nutty undertones of almond butter, however, highlight the chocolate richness in the brownies, creating a delightful harmony that's hard to resist.

Technique Tips for Success

When mixing the batter, avoid over-mixing, as this can result in denser brownies. Stir just until the ingredients are combined; small lumps from the cottage cheese are perfectly fine. The goal is to achieve a silky, homogenous batter that avoids the trap of toughness. Use a spatula to fold ingredients gently, preserving the airiness that makes these brownies so delightful and moist.

Pay particular attention while baking. Bake your brownies at 350°F (175°C) for around 25 minutes, but start checking at the 20-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the perfect fudgy texture. If it comes out clean, you may have overbaked them, resulting in a dry final product. Keep watch for the edges to look slightly set and the center to remain soft.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious brownies:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.

Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, almond butter, honey, cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Serve these brownies warm or chilled for the best experience!

Pro Tips

For added flair, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate on top before serving. You can also experiment with different nut butters for a unique twist.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies store well, making them ideal for meal prep. Let them cool completely after baking, then cut them into squares. Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you're looking to freeze them, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

I often make a double batch to ensure I have some on hand for unexpected guests or a sweet craving. This way, I can slice and freeze half while keeping the other half fresh. When ready to eat, a quick reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds can bring back that fudgy texture, making them just as delightful as when they were freshly baked.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are delicious on their own, but if you're feeling indulgent, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can elevate your presentation and flavor. Topping with fresh berries can also add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.

For a fun twist, try adding mix-ins like dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts directly into the batter before baking. This will enhance the texture and create delightful chocolate bursts in every bite, making them even more enjoyable. Just be cautious not to add too much, as the original balance of flavors could be altered.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese is key for the texture and moisture, so regular cheese is not recommended.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

Using whole wheat flour, they are not gluten-free. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How do I store the leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, these brownies freeze well. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months.