Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Cocoa Powder

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Cocoa Powder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Ideas

I love experimenting with healthier dessert options, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Cocoa Powder have become one of my favorites. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich cocoa creates a fudgy brownie that satisfies my chocolate cravings without the guilt. I appreciate how this recipe balances indulgence with nutrition, providing a treat that's lower in fat but still decadent in flavor. Each bite is like a hug for my taste buds, making these brownies a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier dessert.

Created by

Genevieve Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-11T20:05:35.249Z

When I made these Cottage Cheese Brownies for the first time, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese in a dessert. To my surprise, it added a wonderful creaminess while keeping the brownies moist and fudgy. I highly recommend using high-quality dark cocoa powder; it makes all the difference in flavor and richness.

I also found that letting the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to firm up. Trust me, these brownies get even better the next day!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with the creaminess of cottage cheese
Guilt-free indulgence that's still deliciously satisfying
Perfect for an afternoon treat or dessert after dinner

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredient in these Cottage Cheese Brownies is, of course, the cottage cheese. It not only reduces the fat content but also adds moisture and a creamy texture that complements the rich cocoa powder perfectly. Using whole-fat cottage cheese gives a creamier result, while low-fat options can still deliver excellent outcomes, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

Dark cocoa powder is a crucial element for achieving that deep chocolate flavor. Unlike regular cocoa, it brings a more intense and bittersweet taste, which balances well with the sweetness of sugar. If you prefer a lighter flavor, feel free to substitute half of the dark cocoa with regular cocoa powder, but be aware that this will alter the overall chocolate richness.

Baking Tips for Success

When blending the cottage cheese, ensure it reaches a smooth consistency before adding other ingredients. If your cottage cheese is lumpy, the brownies can end up with an undesirable texture. A food processor can help achieve that silky texture if your mixing bowl isn’t effective. This step is crucial for achieving an even distribution of flavors.

Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. The baking time can vary a bit depending on your oven and the type of baking pan used. Aluminum pans may yield slightly quicker results compared to glass or ceramic. To determine doneness, look for the edges pulling away from the sides of the pan and a soft center that bounces back when lightly pressed.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

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

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Add in sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract, and mix well.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

For best results, let the brownies cool completely before serving.

Pro Tips

Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor!

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for presentation. They can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy contrast to the fudginess.

For a textural twist, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Walnuts or almonds can lend a delightful crunch, while dark chocolate chips will enhance the chocolate flavor even further. Just keep the total added quantity to about half a cup to maintain the balance of wet and dry ingredients.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies store beautifully, allowing for easy make-ahead dessert preparations. Once cooled, cut them into squares and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for up to three days and can be refrigerated for about a week. If stored properly, they also freeze well; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and they’ll last for up to three months.

If you plan to freeze them, consider underbaking slightly to maintain a fudgy texture after reheating. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature, or for a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. This ensures you still retain that comforting fudgy center, while the outside remains appealingly set.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well, but it may result in slightly different texture.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before serving.

→ What can I substitute for sugar?

You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amounts as desired.