Can you put cottage cheese in brownies?

Absolutely. Cottage cheese blends beautifully into brownie batter when processed or blended until smooth. It adds moisture, protein, and a rich, creamy texture without overpowering the chocolate flavor. In cottage cheese brownies, it replaces some of the fat while improving overall structure and softness.

What does cottage cheese do in baking?

Cottage cheese acts as a binding and moisturizing agent in baking. Its protein content gives structure to baked goods, while its moisture keeps them tender. In brownies specifically, it enhances that fudgy texture we all love—without needing as much butter or oil. It’s similar to how Greek yogurt or sour cream behaves in recipes, but with even more nutritional value.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for oil in brownies?

Yes, you can substitute part or even all of the oil with cottage cheese, depending on your texture preference. In this recipe, a small amount of oil is retained for richness, but most of the moisture and fat come from cottage cheese. The result is a balanced dessert that's less greasy and more nourishing than traditional brownies.

Does cottage cheese melt when you bake it?

Cottage cheese doesn’t melt the way butter or cheese slices do, but when it’s blended into the batter, it bakes into the structure seamlessly. You won’t see or taste curds in the finished product. Instead, it softens and helps produce a creamy, smooth crumb in your cottage cheese brownies.

Cottage Cheese Brownies: 1 Surprising, Guilt-Free Upgrade

Description

Fudgy, rich, and secretly healthy, these cottage cheese brownies are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers looking to enjoy dessert with less guilt and more protein.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, melted
1 cup cottage cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
¼ cup melted butter or avocado oil
¾ cup milk
½ cup sugar or coconut sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
¾ cup whole wheat flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease or line a 9×9″ baking pan with parchment.
In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, melted chocolate, butter/oil, vanilla, egg, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Blend until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add blended wet ingredients to the dry mix. Stir just until combined.
Fold in mini chocolate chips.
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Let cool completely before slicing into 16 brownies.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Brownies can be frozen individually and reheated as needed.
Use avocado oil for a heart-healthy fat option.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 143
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 166mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 19mg