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Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies Recipe

4.8 from 772 reviews

Discover how to make fudgy Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies that pack extra protein without sacrificing taste. This easy-to-follow recipe blends cottage cheese with cocoa, eggs, and a touch of sweetness for a healthier twist on classic brownies. With tips, variations, and nutritional insights, these brownies are perfect for those who crave chocolate while keeping an eye on protein intake.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat based on preference)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed)
  • 3/4 cup flour (whole wheat pastry flour, all-purpose, or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

Optional Add-Ins

  • Handful of chocolate chips
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • Pinch of espresso powder
  • Protein powder (whey or other, reduce flour by same volume if added)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the brownies from sticking.
  2. Blend the Cottage Cheese Base: Place 1 cup of cottage cheese into a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth to avoid lumps and achieve a creamy texture in the brownies.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until slightly frothy. Stir in the blended cottage cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until uniform.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk these until evenly combined.
  5. Sweeten the Batter: Add 3/4 cup brown sugar to the dry ingredients and whisk to coat the flour and cocoa powder evenly.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Stir gently just until the batter comes together with no visible streaks of flour. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.
  7. Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in any desired add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, espresso powder, or protein powder, adjusting flour quantity if using protein powder.
  8. Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes. Start checking at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  9. Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment paper and place on a wire rack. Slice when the brownies are warm or at room temperature for cleaner cuts.

Notes

  • Blend cottage cheese thoroughly to prevent curds and ensure a smooth brownie texture.
  • Do not overbake to maintain fudginess; check with a toothpick for moist crumbs.
  • Use fresh cocoa powder and baking powder for best flavor and rise.
  • Cool brownies before cutting to avoid crumbling.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or chocolate chips as desired.
  • For gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Optional substitutions: replace eggs with flax eggs for a vegan-ish version, but expect denser texture.
  • Adding a pinch of espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor without overpowering.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Brownies, Protein Brownies, Healthy Brownies, Fudgy Brownies, High Protein Dessert, Chocolate Brownies, Low Fat Brownies, Healthy Chocolate Treat