Description

Craving a rich, chocolatey dessert that’s indulgent yet nutritious? Cottage Cheese Brownies transform blended cottage cheese into a fudgy, protein-rich treat, sweetened with maple syrup and studded with chocolate chips.

Ingredients

Scale

Cottage Cheese Brownies use simple, wholesome ingredients to create a fudgy, chocolatey treat. Here’s what you’ll need for 16 brownies (8×8-inch pan):

⅔ cup cottage cheese (blended until smooth): Provides a creamy, protein-packed base.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Adds structure and moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
¼ cup maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness.
¼ cup granulated sugar (optional): For extra sweetness, if desired.
½ cup almond flour: Creates a gluten-free, nutty base.
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with slight rise and texture.
⅓ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping): Adds melty, chocolatey bursts.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Cottage Cheese: Blended smooth for a fudgy texture and high protein content.
Almond Flour: Keeps the brownies gluten-free and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness without refined sugar (granulated sugar optional for extra sweetness).
Chocolate Chips: Enhance decadence with pockets of melted chocolate.

Substitutions and Variations

Cottage Cheese: Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese; substitute with Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt for a vegan option (note: may alter texture).
Maple Syrup: Swap with honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup.
Granulated Sugar: Omit for less sweetness or use coconut sugar or brown sugar.
Almond Flour: Replace with oat flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour (1:1 ratio).
Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt, flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water), and vegan chocolate chips.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure chocolate chips and cocoa powder are certified gluten-free.
Flavor Variations:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl 2 tablespoons peanut butter into the batter before baking.
- Mocha Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
- Nutty Brownies: Replace chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Double Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and ¼ cup extra chocolate chips

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: ⅔ cup cottage cheese, 2 large eggs (room temperature), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup granulated sugar (optional), ½ cup almond flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ⅓ cup chocolate chips, and extra chips for topping.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Blend cottage cheese until completely smooth using a blender or food processor.

Tip: Use full-fat cottage cheese for richer flavor; ensure eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine ⅔ cup blended cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ cup maple syrup, and ¼ cup granulated sugar (if using).
Blend until smooth and well-combined, about 30-60 seconds, scraping down the sides if needed.

Tip: Blend thoroughly to ensure a silky texture with no cottage cheese curds.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup almond flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon baking soda until no lumps remain.

Tip: Sift cocoa powder if clumpy to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Pour the blended wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Stir gently with a spatula until just combined, ensuring no dry spots remain. The batter will be slightly thick.
Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.
Fold in ⅓ cup chocolate chips.

Tip: Stir gently to maintain a tender texture; overmixing can make brownies dense.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top, if desired.
Bake at 325°F for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are set but the center looks slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Tip: Check at 18 minutes; underbaking slightly ensures fudgy brownies.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set.
Slice into 16 squares (for an 8×8-inch pan) or 12-16 squares (for a 9×9-inch pan).
Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Tip: Let cool slightly for cleaner cuts; use parchment paper for easy removal.