These cottage cheese brownies are a delightful twist on the classic treat! They are moist, fudgy, and have a subtle cheesiness that makes them unique and tasty.
I love that they use cottage cheese, which makes them a bit healthier. Plus, they satisfy my chocolate cravings without the heavy feeling after! 🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using small curd cottage cheese for the best texture. If you’re dairy-free, you can try ricotta or a non-dairy cream cheese, but note that the flavor may change slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works perfectly here, but you can use coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option. Just keep in mind that it might affect the texture.
Butter: I usually blend melted butter for richness. You can substitute it with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile or if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Chocolate Chips: While optional, I think chocolate chips add a wonderful extra layer of chocolate! You can swap them for nuts or dried fruit if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
To achieve a fudgy brownie, pay attention to how you mix the ingredients. It’s essential to mix until just combined without over-mixing, which can make them tough.
- Blend the cottage cheese until smooth for a creamy consistency.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet carefully, stopping when no dry flour remains. This method keeps the brownies soft.
- Don’t overbake! Check them early; you want a few moist crumbs on the toothpick for the best texture.
Cottage Cheese Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, well drained)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This brownie recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Plan for cooling time as well; it’s best to let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. So overall, expect about 1 hour from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly. While it’s heating up, get your baking pan ready!
2. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or use parchment paper to line the bottom. This will help you easily remove the brownies later.
3. Blend the Cottage Cheese:
In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is key to making your brownies moist and gives them a unique twist!
4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well until the mixture is nice and smooth.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to avoid any lumps and keeps your brownies light!
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or spoon. Mix gently—over-mixing can make your brownies dense, and we want them to be soft and fudgy!
7. Add Melted Butter:
Stir in the melted butter until the batter is smooth. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in now for that delightful chocolatey goodness!
8. Pour and Spread:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This ensures each brownie bakes evenly.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly! Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!
Enjoy your rich, moist cottage cheese brownies with a unique creaminess and deep chocolate flavor!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese! It will still work well in the recipe, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and richness of the brownies.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Substitute the Cocoa Powder?
While cocoa powder gives the brownies their chocolate flavor, you could use carob powder for a different taste. Just remember that it will change the flavor profile a bit, so make sure you enjoy that taste!
What If I Don’t Have an 8×8 Pan?
No problem! If you don’t have an 8×8 inch pan, you can use a 9×9 inch pan; just keep an eye on the baking time as they may bake a little faster. You could also use muffin tins for brownie bites—just adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes!
