Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup cashew butter; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Daily Meals

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was skeptical about how they would turn out. Surprisingly, the results were delightful! These brownies are not only rich and fudgy but also packed with protein, thanks to the cottage cheese and cashew butter. I found that using both ingredients creates an incredible creaminess that balances perfectly with the rich cocoa flavor. If you're looking for a healthier twist on classic brownies, this recipe is for you!

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-01-11T15:37:35.147Z

Throughout my culinary adventures, I’ve always been drawn to reinventing classic desserts. This time, I decided to incorporate cottage cheese into brownies, and the outcome was nothing short of extraordinary. The cottage cheese adds moisture, while the cashew butter gives them a nutty richness that’s hard to resist.

One tip I discovered is that blending the cottage cheese until smooth is crucial; it helps to incorporate the ingredients evenly and ensures every bite is perfectly creamy. Trust me, these brownies will surprise even the pickiest eaters!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Decadent and rich chocolate taste with a healthy twist
Silky smooth texture that satisfies sweet cravings
Nutty flavor from cashew butter pairs beautifully with chocolate

      

Understanding the Ingredient Choices

Cottage cheese plays a pivotal role in these brownies, not only adding protein but also contributing to a moist crumb. The high moisture content coupled with its creamy texture helps produce that rich, fudgy feel we all love in brownies. If you're a fan of ricotta or Greek yogurt, you might experiment with those in place of cottage cheese, but keep in mind the final texture may vary.

Cashew butter is another star in this recipe, bringing its own creamy richness that enhances the overall flavor profile. It offers a subtle nutty undertone that complements the bitterness of cocoa. If you're looking for alternatives, almond butter or even peanut butter can work, but remember, they will change the taste and texture slightly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A key issue to watch out for is underbaking, which can leave the brownies too gooey in the center. Always use a toothpick to check doneness, and aim for a few moist crumbs rather than a completely clean pick. If they come out too wet, you can return them to the oven for an additional 5-minute interval, but be careful not to overbake to retain that perfect fudginess.

Another potential pitfall is overmixing after adding the dry ingredients. To avoid tough brownies, gently mix just until everything is combined and you can no longer see flour. Folding in the chocolate chips should be done carefully to ensure even distribution without working the batter too much.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. For maximum freshness, you can freeze the brownies by wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag—perfect for a quick treat later.

For serving, I love to pair these brownies with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the creamy texture. They also make a great base for a sundae, topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Feel free to crumble them over yogurt parfaits for a delicious breakfast or snack idea!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start your brownie-making journey:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup cashew butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Once you have everything ready, you're just moments away from a delicious treat!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, cashew butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Enjoy!

These brownies are best enjoyed when they have cooled down a bit!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the mixture. You can also substitute cashew butter with almond or peanut butter, depending on your preference.

Tips for Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the right texture depends on proper measuring and ingredient quality. Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down, which could lead to dry brownies. Additionally, use high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor, as the quality of your cocoa can drastically affect the end result.

During blending, ensure the cottage cheese and cashew butter are completely smooth. Chunky mixtures can lead to uneven texture in your brownies. If you don't have a high-power blender, consider using a food processor for a more thorough blend.

Flavor Variations to Try

For an added layer of flavor, consider mixing in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and gives a deeper richness. Alternatively, you can include some chocolate or caramel swirls by dolloping in additional melted chocolate or caramel sauce before baking, leading to a delightful surprise in every bite.

If you want a fruity twist, try folding in 1/2 cup of pureed raspberries or mashed bananas into the batter. This not only adds moisture but also brightens the flavor profile, making each bite a unique experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as an alternative for a similar texture and moisture.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, simply replace the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend.

→ How long do leftovers last?

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped.