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Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies Recipe

5 from 107 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 classic brownie ingredients to create a moist, rich, and protein-boosted dessert option perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a healthier treat.

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 whole wheat pastry flour or all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 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 walnuts or pecans
  • Pinch of espresso powder
  • 1 scoop protein powder (reduce flour by equal amount 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 sticking.
  2. Blend the Cottage Cheese: Place 1 cup of cottage cheese in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth to avoid lumps in the brownies and ensure a creamy texture.
  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 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until uniform.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk to evenly distribute the ingredients and prevent lumps.
  5. Add Sweetener: Add 3/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar to the dry ingredients and mix well to coat the flour and cocoa powder.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir gently until just combined, stopping as soon as there are no visible flour streaks to keep the brownies fudgy and avoid cakey texture.
  7. Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, espresso powder, or protein powder if desired, mixing gently to integrate.
  8. Bake: Transfer the batter evenly to your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Start checking at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick; aim for moist crumbs rather than a clean toothpick to maintain fudginess.
  9. Cool and Slice: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set the texture. Lift them out using the parchment paper and place on a wire rack. Slice when slightly warm or fully cooled for cleaner cuts.

Notes

  • Blending the cottage cheese thoroughly is key to avoid curd pockets and ensure smooth texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain fudginess; mix until just combined.
  • Check the brownies early while baking to avoid drying them out.
  • Use fresh cocoa powder and baking powder for best flavor and rise.
  • Cool brownies before cutting to prevent crumbling.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or topping with chocolate chips as desired.
  • For gluten-free variation, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Flax eggs can substitute eggs for a vegan-ish version but expect denser texture.

Keywords: Cottage cheese brownies, protein brownies, healthy brownies, high protein dessert, fudgy brownies, chocolate protein treat