Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein
Deliciously fudgy and incredibly satisfying, these Cottage Cheese Brownies are not your ordinary sweet treat. With a rich texture and an indulgent chocolate flavor, they’re packed with protein and surprisingly easy to whip up. Grounded by cottage cheese, these brownies offer an adult twist on a childhood classic that you can enjoy guilt-free. Imagine sinking your teeth into a brownie that feels decadent yet is swathed in a wholesome nutrition profile; isn’t that what we all crave sometimes?
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon the idea of using cottage cheese in brownies when searching for a way to satisfy my chocolate cravings without hovering over a calorie-laden dessert. The result? Pure bliss! This recipe quickly became a staple in my household. They’re not just healthy; they’re a true crowd-pleaser that will impress guests, friends, and family alike. If you’re searching for a sweet treat that nourishes rather than just fills, I can’t encourage you enough to give these Cottage Cheese Brownies a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a batch of these brownies baking in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: Think rich chocolate, fudgy texture, and a hint of sweetness that lingers delightfully on the palate.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Moist, shiny tops scattered with chocolate chips make these brownies as lovely as they are delicious.
- Flexible Serving: They are perfect for an afternoon snack, a sweet breakfast treat, or a sweet finish to dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: High in protein, low in guilt—these brownies are ideal for anyone looking to indulge healthily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese: I recommend using Good Culture for a thicket texture that’s essential for achieving that creamy consistency.
- 2 eggs: These help bind the ingredients together while providing a rich body to the brownies.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For a touch of warmth and depth in flavor.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness without overwhelming the chocolate flavor; you can substitute with honey if desired.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Granulated sugar helps balance the brownie mixture, creating a perfect texture.
- 2/3 cup almond flour: I particularly love King Arthur for its fine crumb; it’s gluten-free and contributes to the brownies’ tender texture.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa for the best chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 tsp baking soda: This will give the brownies a slight lift without compromising their fudginess.
- 1 pinch of salt: A small touch to enhance all the flavors and balance sweetness.
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips: I prefer Ghirardelli 60% cacao chips for a richer chocolate burst.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein
Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 325°F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This lower temperature is essential, allowing dense batter to cook evenly without drying the edges too quickly.
Blend the Wet Ingredients: Combine 3/4 cup cottage cheese, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1/4 cup sugar in a blender. Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until smooth with no lumps. Using a blender creates a finer texture, which is key for achieving that light and cake-like crumb.
Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Whisking properly incorporates air into the mixture, helping the brownies rise.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the blended wet mixture into the dry ingredient bowl and fold gently with a spatula until everything is just combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1/3 cup chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed in the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, press a few chocolate chips on top for an appealing look!
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake; these brownies should be fudgy and moist.
Cool and Cut: Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before cutting into 9 or 12 squares. They will continue to set as they cool to room temperature, yielding perfectly tender bites.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Cottage Cheese Brownies, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week; just ensure they’re sealed well to prevent drying out. You can also freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually for a quick, sweet treat any time you need it. When reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them gently without compromising their fudgy texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-blending the cottage cheese mixture; the smoother the mixture, the better the texture of the brownies.
- If you want a more cake-like brownie, consider increasing the baking soda slightly, though this affects the fudgy quality.
- Always make sure to measure ingredients accurately for best results.
- Feel free to experiment with different chocolate chips or nuts to customize your brownies.
- If you prefer a less dense brownie, try substituting half of the almond flour with whole-wheat flour or oat flour.
These Cottage Cheese Brownies are packed with protein while delivering an indulgent chocolate experience, making them a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment a little and find your ultimate version of this delicious treat. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up or a midnight snack, they promise to satisfy any chocolate craving!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of full-fat?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture and richness. You might find the brownies to be a tad less fudgy than with full-fat options.
What can I substitute for almond flour?
If you’re not able to use almond flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour, though the texture will differ slightly. Be cautious with the mixing—gluten-free batters can become tough if overworked.
How can I tell if the brownies are done baking?
Aside from the toothpick test, the top of the brownies should look set, and the edges should begin to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. Slightly domed tops are also a good sign.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
You can make them vegan by using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of the eggs, and using a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave. Keep in mind, texture may vary slightly with these substitutions.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cottage Cheese Brownies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with a high protein punch. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients like cottage cheese and almond flour, they are perfect for a tasty dessert or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Blend the cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and sugar on high speed until smooth, about 60-90 seconds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until set, checking with a toothpick for a few moist crumbs. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
For a thicker texture, opt for high-quality cottage cheese, like Good Culture.
Reserve some chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking for added visual appeal.
Allow the brownies to cool completely for the best texture before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
