Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Flour

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I always seek out dessert recipes that balance indulgence with health, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Flour perfectly fit the bill. The creamy cottage cheese adds a delightful richness while keeping the moisture intact, resulting in a brownie that feels decadent yet wholesome. The almond flour not only brings a nutty flavor but also keeps the treat gluten-free. Baking these brownies at a lower temperature ensures that they stay fudgy in the center, making them an instant favorite at my gatherings.

Talia Preston

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:58:16.999Z

When I first combined cottage cheese and almond flour, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. I initially worried about the texture, but the added moisture from the cottage cheese resulted in brownies that were incredibly rich and fudgy. It turned out to be the perfect solution for satisfying my sweet tooth without the usual guilt.

Over the years, I’ve customized this recipe, adding dark chocolate chunks and a touch of vanilla for an extra depth of flavor. These brownies have become a staple dessert in my home, and everyone, including my skeptical friends, can’t tell they’re made with cottage cheese!

Why You'll Love These Brownies

  • A unique twist on traditional brownies with cottage cheese for added moisture.
  • Almond flour gives a slightly nutty flavor while being gluten-free.
  • Decadent and fudgy texture that feels indulgent without the heaviness.

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies, providing both moisture and a creamy texture without excess fat. Its high protein content not only makes the brownies more filling but also enhances their nutritional profile. When blended smoothly, it helps to create a rich batter that yields a fudgy brownie texture. For optimal results, use full-fat cottage cheese for the best creaminess or even consider blending it further to achieve a velvety consistency.

Incorporating cottage cheese has the added benefit of balancing the intensity of cocoa powder. The natural tang from the cheese complements the chocolate flavor, offering a delightful richness that traditional brownies might lack. However, it's essential to ensure that the cottage cheese is well-mixed; otherwise, you might end up with chunky bits in your brownies, which can affect the overall mouthfeel.

Perfecting the Baking Technique

Baking at a lower temperature, as set at 350°F (175°C), is crucial for achieving that coveted fudgy center. If baked at too high a temperature, the edges can turn dry while the center remains undercooked. Keep an eye on the brownies during the last few minutes of baking; the perfect cue is when the edges pull away slightly from the pan, and a toothpick should emerge with a few moist crumbs, signifying the right doneness.

For even baking, consider rotating your pan halfway through the baking time. Oven hot spots can cause uneven browning. If you find the brownies are not setting properly, they may need an additional 3 to 5 minutes in the oven. Just be cautious not to overbake, as this will lead to a denser, drier texture instead of the desired fudginess.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start baking:

Brownie Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks (optional)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, almond flour, cocoa powder, honey, eggs, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well-combined and smooth.

Add Chocolate Chunks

Fold in the dark chocolate chunks if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy these delicious brownies with a scoop of ice cream or your favorite topping!

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Pro Tips

  • For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste. Also, be careful not to overbake to keep them fudgy.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Once the brownies have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you desire to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can prolong freshness for about a week. For an even longer shelf life, these brownies freeze well; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer, and you can thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

When preparing for gatherings, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one day. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking for consistent results. This way, you can save time and still present freshly baked brownies to your guests.

Customizing Your Brownies

These brownies are quite versatile, and you can easily customize them to suit your taste. For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in nuts like walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chunks. You can also experiment with different types of sweeteners; for instance, using agave syrup or a sugar substitute can tailor the recipe to fit various dietary needs, keeping in mind that the amount may vary based on the sweetness level of the substitute used.

If you are in the mood for a flavor twist, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor or a bit of orange zest for a refreshing citrus note. Remember to adjust the amount of dry ingredients slightly to maintain the right batter consistency if you're adding any extras.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or any preferred sweetener, keeping in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly.

→ Is there a way to make these brownies dairy-free?

You can replace the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as a silken tofu or a vegan cream cheese.

→ How should I store leftovers?

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container.

Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Flour

I always seek out dessert recipes that balance indulgence with health, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Flour perfectly fit the bill. The creamy cottage cheese adds a delightful richness while keeping the moisture intact, resulting in a brownie that feels decadent yet wholesome. The almond flour not only brings a nutty flavor but also keeps the treat gluten-free. Baking these brownies at a lower temperature ensures that they stay fudgy in the center, making them an instant favorite at my gatherings.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Talia Preston

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 brownies

What You'll Need

Brownie Ingredients

  1. 1 cup cottage cheese
  2. 1/2 cup almond flour
  3. 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  4. 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  5. 2 large eggs
  6. 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  7. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  8. 1/4 tsp salt
  9. 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, almond flour, cocoa powder, honey, eggs, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well-combined and smooth.

Step 03

Fold in the dark chocolate chunks if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 04

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 05

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste. Also, be careful not to overbake to keep them fudgy.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 6g