Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Favorites

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter because they combine the richness of chocolate with the creaminess of cottage cheese. The almond butter adds a delightful nutty flavor, making each bite a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. I often whip these up for an afternoon treat or a post-workout snack, and they always hit the spot. The secret is using high-quality cocoa powder for a deep chocolatey richness that’s hard to resist!

Created by

Ottoline Reeves

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:09:34.762Z

When I first ventured into baking with cottage cheese, I was surprised by how moisture-rich and flavorful it made brownies without the heaviness of traditional recipes. I experimented several times to get the texture just right, and I found that blending the cottage cheese until smooth made all the difference. It gives the brownies a fudgy consistency that’s hard to match.

One tip that transformed my brownies was to let them cool completely before slicing. This ensures the fudgy center sets up nicely—no more gooey mess when you cut them! I also recommend folding in some chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey surprise in each bite.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy almond butter
Perfectly moist texture that satisfies chocolate cravings
Nutritious twist on a classic dessert without sacrificing taste

      

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is often overlooked in dessert recipes, but it plays a crucial role in these brownies. Its creamy texture adds moisture without an overload of fat, while also boosting the protein content. Using full-fat cottage cheese can provide an extra creaminess that helps create a rich mouthfeel, so I recommend sticking to that option for this recipe. Be sure to blend it well until completely smooth to avoid any lumps in your final brownies.

Additionally, cottage cheese lends a slight tang that balances out the sweetness from the honey or maple syrup. This unexpected flavor helps to enhance the overall richness of the chocolate, creating a more complex taste profile. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, silken tofu can be used as a substitute, resulting in a slightly different texture but still yielding moist brownies.

Perfecting Your Brownie Texture

The key to perfectly moist brownies lies in careful mixing and baking. Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies, so blend just until combined. When pouring the batter into the pan, ensure you spread it evenly to promote uniform baking. If you notice the edges begin to pull away from the pan while the center looks slightly underbaked, that’s a good indicator they are done; they’ll continue to cook after being removed from the oven.

Letting the brownies cool completely before slicing is essential for achieving clean cuts without crumbling. If you’re impatient like me, place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after cooling at room temperature. This will further firm them up, making it easier to get those perfect squares without any mess.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Mix all of these together until well combined.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Batter

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, almond butter, honey, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Add Chocolate Chips

If desired, gently fold in chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Don’t forget to share with friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra nutty flavor, try using crunchy almond butter. These brownies can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. However, for longer storage, consider refrigerating them, which can prolong freshness for up to two weeks. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months and thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a sweet treat.

When storing, be mindful not to stack them too tightly as they might stick together. You can also layer parchment paper between the brownies for added protection and ease of serving later. Just remember to let them return to room temperature for the best flavor experience after chilling or freezing.

Flavor Variations and Add-ins

One of the fun aspects of this brownie recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize these brownies to suit your taste. For an additional layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate richness. Nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, can be folded into the batter for a delightful crunch alongside the smoothness. If you prefer a hint of sweetness, a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking can elevate the flavor dramatically.

Experimenting with different flavors can also yield great results. Try incorporating a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist or swapping in peanut butter for the almond butter if you’re a peanut butter fan. These tweaks not only cater to personal preferences but also keep the recipe exciting each time you make it!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes! Peanut butter or cashew butter works well in this recipe too.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.

→ How can I make these brownies sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter brownie, feel free to add more honey or use chocolate chips in the batter.