Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Smart Recipes

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter! The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich peanut butter creates a delightful treat that satisfies my sweet tooth. I originally stumbled upon this recipe when looking for healthier dessert alternatives, and it quickly became a favorite in my household. The brownies are moist and fudgy, and they pack a protein punch. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for when I need a quick dessert fix.

Created by

Wendy Ashbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:42:35.486Z

When I first made these brownies, I was amazed at how moist they turned out, thanks to the cottage cheese. At first, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese in a dessert, but it adds a unique texture that’s both creamy and satisfying. I think the key is to blend it well; this ensures there are no curds left, which gives the brownies a smoother consistency.

I love that these brownies don’t just taste great, but they also provide a healthier option with the added protein from the cottage cheese and peanut butter. As a tip, if you want to make them extra indulgent, try swirling in some extra peanut butter on top before baking for a delightful surprise!

        Why You Will Love These Brownies
        Decadent peanut butter flavor with a protein boost from cottage cheese
Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Easily customizable with chocolate chips or nuts

      

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Cottage Cheese Brownies plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The cottage cheese not only adds moisture but also provides a protein boost, making these brownies a healthier treat. Choosing a full-fat cottage cheese will yield a richer flavor, while low-fat options can still work well without compromising texture too much. Peanut butter enhances the overall nuttiness and binds the ingredients together. For the best results, opt for natural peanut butter with minimal additives for a more authentic richness.

The sweetener you use can dramatically affect the taste of your brownies. Honey and maple syrup both impart unique flavors—honey adds a floral note while maple syrup brings a caramel undertone. The choice of cocoa powder is equally important—Dutch-processed cocoa offers a smoother texture and deeper color compared to natural cocoa powder. If you opt for dark chocolate cocoa, keep an eye on the sweetness, as it can intensify the richness of the brownies.

Baking Tips for Success

When baking these brownies, proper mixing is essential to avoid a lumpy batter. After blending the wet ingredients, gently fold in the dry mixture until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to denser brownies, so stop when the last of the flour disappears. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the accuracy of your thermometer. I recommend checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark to prevent over-baking. Look for a solid structure with slightly cracked edges, and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Cooling the brownies is crucial for achieving the right texture. Letting them sit for at least ten minutes in the pan helps them set properly. If you're eager to cut and enjoy them, consider refrigerating them for short bursts of time to firm them up further—this prevents them from falling apart as you slice. Once cooled, these brownies can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Brownie Base

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond flour
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish to prepare for the brownies.

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully mixed and there are no lumps.

Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence!

Pro Tips

For a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding dark chocolate chips to the batter right before baking. You can also substitute almond flour with all-purpose flour if you prefer.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored for later indulgence. Once fully cooled, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life even more, consider freezing them. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last for up to three months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen brownies, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer a warm treat, you can microwave individual squares for about 20-30 seconds. This method brings back their fudgy texture and enhances the flavors, making the brownie experience even more rewarding.

Creative Variations

These brownies can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Consider stirring in chocolate chips for an even richer experience or experimenting with different types of nut butters, such as almond or cashew, to create a unique twist. You might also incorporate chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the batter or as a topping before baking to add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft, fudgy brownie base.

For a fun flavor twist, you could add a dash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor or incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy note. If you're looking for a completely different flavor profile, you can replace half of the cocoa powder with peanut butter powder for a more peanutty taste. The beauty of these brownies lies in their versatility, so feel free to get creative!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe and will still provide moisture.

→ Can I make these brownies vegan?

You can replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan alternative.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.