Cottage Cheese Brownies
Indulge in fudgy, grams of protein Cottage Cheese Brownies easy, healthy, and irresistibly delicious! Perfect for gluten free dessert lovers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Opt for full-fat or low-fat depending on your preference. Full-fat will yield a richer texture while low-fat keeps it lighter.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deep chocolatey flavor.
- ½ cup almond flour: This keeps the brownies gluten-free and adds a nutty richness. You can substitute with coconut flour or all-purpose flour if preferred.
- ½ cup sweetener of choice: Use granulated sugar coconut sugar, or a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or stevia.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients and add structure to the brownies.
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or avocado oil: Adds moisture and richness. You can also use butter if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives the brownies a slight lift.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips: Use sugar-free or dark chocolate chips for a healthier option.
- ¼ cup chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.
- 1-2 tablespoons protein powder: Boost the protein content even further with a scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with a bit of oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese
- In a blender or food processor, add 1 cup of cottage cheese. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This step ensures the cottage cheese integrates seamlessly into the batter, giving the brownies their signature moist texture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or avocado oil), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- To the wet ingredients, add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup almond flour, ½ cup sweetener of choice, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the brownies.
Step 5: Fold in Optional Add-Ins
- If you’re using chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or protein powder, gently fold them into the batter at this stage. This ensures even distribution throughout the brownies.
Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Pan
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners and smooth the top.
Step 7: Bake the Brownies
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the brownies.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the brownies into 9 or 12 squares, depending on your preferred size.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your cottage cheese brownies as-is or with your favorite toppings, like a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g (varies based on sweetener used)
- Sodium: 150mg