Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Ideas

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash for a decadent yet healthy treat. The combination of cottage cheese and ripe bananas gives these brownies a unique moistness and rich flavor. They are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth while still being a guilt-free pleasure. I've made them for friends who were blown away by how delicious and fudgy they are. Whether it’s for a casual snack or a special dessert, these brownies are always a hit in my house.

Created by

Genevieve Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:59:35.265Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in desserts, I was astonished by how well it blends into recipes without altering the flavor too much. For these brownies, the cottage cheese pairs beautifully with banana mash, resulting in a texture that's both light and fudgy. It’s all about balance—using just the right amount of sugar and cocoa ensures that the natural sweetness of the bananas shines through.

I often recommend using very ripe bananas for these brownies, as they provide the maximum sweetness and rich flavor. If you ever find yourself with overripe bananas staring at you, this recipe is a fantastic solution. The brownies last well and can even be frozen for later indulgence!

        Why You Will Love These Brownies
        Fudgy texture that rivals traditional brownies
Guilt-free indulgence loaded with protein
Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese and Bananas

In these brownies, cottage cheese not only adds moisture but also packs them with protein, making them a wholesome treat. When blended, it creates a creamy base that helps achieve a fudgy texture without the need for butter or oil. The subtle flavor of cottage cheese blends seamlessly with other ingredients, contributing to a rich mouthfeel that is surprisingly indulgent.

Ripe bananas are another key ingredient, acting as a natural sweetener while infusing the brownies with a unique flavor. Their natural sugars caramelize during baking, enhancing the overall sweetness and making the brownies perfectly delectable without excess refined sugar. This combination ensures you won’t taste the cottage cheese directly, allowing the bananas to shine through.

Tips for Perfecting Your Brownies

When blending the cottage cheese and bananas, ensure you reach a completely smooth mixture. Use an immersion blender or food processor for the best results, as this prevents any lumps from compromising the texture of your brownies. If you prefer a bit of texture, however, you can mash the bananas with a fork but be vigilant to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly.

Checking for doneness can be tricky. Start with 25 minutes of baking time, but look for visual cues like slightly puffed tops and a set edge. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter. If you see wet batter, continue baking in increments of 2-3 minutes until it’s just right, as overbaking will lead to a less fudgy result.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Steps

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend together the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips

Fold in the nuts or chocolate chips if using, and pour the batter into the lined baking dish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

These brownies can be served warm or chilled, and they’re great to pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a tablespoon of peanut butter to the batter.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be made ahead and stored for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent drying out. You can also freeze individual portions for easy snacking later; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.

To reheat from frozen, simply microwave for about 15-20 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will bring back their original fudgy texture, making them a quick treat on busy days.

Creative Variations

Feel free to experiment with flavors! For a nuttier twist, substitute half of the whole wheat flour with almond flour, which can also contribute to a mildly sweet and rich taste. You can also swap out the honey or maple syrup for agave nectar or a sugar substitute if you desire a lower glycemic index option.

If you like your brownies with a kick, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. You can also incorporate around a third cup of peanut butter for added creaminess and a delicious contrast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well; it might change the texture slightly, but they will still be delicious.

→ How should I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! They freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

→ How can I make these brownies vegan?

You can replace honey with maple syrup and use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.