Cottage Cheese Brownies with Chopped Almonds

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Chopped Almonds
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped almonds; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Oven Meals

I’ve always been a fan of brownies, but these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Chopped Almonds truly take the cake… or rather, the brownie! Combining creamy cottage cheese with rich chocolate gives these treats a unique twist. They are indulgent yet deliciously healthier than traditional brownies, making them a guilt-free option for those sweet cravings. With a perfect texture and subtle nuttiness from the almonds, this recipe has quickly become one of our favorites for gatherings and family dinners. You won’t believe how easy they are to whip up!

Created by

Honor Blackwell

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:38:37.216Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in brownies, I was skeptical. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how it added a moist, creamy texture without overpowering the chocolate flavor. I believe the key is to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients. This little step ensures a smooth consistency throughout the brownies.

Sharing these brownies with friends has been a joy, especially watching their expressions as they try them. I often use chopped almonds for that extra crunch, and they complement the chocolate brilliantly. Trust me, once you try this twist, you will want to make them again and again!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor balanced perfectly with creamy cottage cheese
Nutty crunch from chopped almonds adds delightful texture
Guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your sweet tooth

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The hero of this brownie recipe is the cottage cheese, which provides a creamy texture and moisture without the overwhelming fat content found in traditional butter-based recipes. This ingredient not only maintains the brownies' structure but also complements the cocoa's richness beautifully. When blended until smooth, the cottage cheese helps create a fudgy consistency, ensuring that each bite is as satisfying as any classic brownie.

Chopped almonds are another star ingredient here. They add a lovely crunch that contrasts with the soft brownie texture and infuses the dessert with a nutty flavor. If you don’t have almonds on hand or prefer a different nut, feel free to substitute them with walnuts or pecans. Just make sure to chop them to similar sizes to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.

Baking Tips for Perfection

To ensure your brownies come out perfect every time, it’s essential to monitor baking time closely. Every oven varies, so start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. The brownies should have set edges and a slightly wobbly center. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating that they're fudgy, not overbaked. If the toothpick comes out wet with batter, they need a few more minutes in the oven.

Another key tip is to let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting. This allows the texture to firm up, making them easier to slice into neat squares. Cooling for about 15-20 minutes in the pan should be sufficient, but if you’re in a hurry, you can place them on a wire rack to speed up the cooling process while ensuring they don’t become soggy.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped almonds
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best outcome.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend Cottage Cheese

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.

Mix the Ingredients

In a bowl, mix the blended cottage cheese with brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. Then add cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt gradually.

Add Nuts

Fold in the chopped almonds into the brownie batter.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

These brownies are best served warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For an extra indulgent treat, top the brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored to enjoy later. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating the brownies; they'll maintain their flavor for about a week. Just ensure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Cut them into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the squares to a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored this way for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Delicious Variations

While this recipe stands out on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. For a minty twist, consider adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter, or for a little extra indulgence, swirl in a layer of nut butter or chocolate spread before baking. This can enhance the flavor and add delightful pockets of gooeyness throughout each brownie.

For a fun texture and flavor variation, try mixing in other ingredients like dried fruit or coconut flakes with the chopped almonds. Raisins or dried cherries work particularly well, providing a burst of sweetness that complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully. Each of these variations will create a new experience, keeping this recipe exciting and adaptable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as an alternative for a similar texture.

→ What can I use instead of chopped almonds?

Feel free to use walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.