Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cocoa Nibs

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cocoa Nibs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cocoa nibs

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love experimenting with pantry staples, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cocoa Nibs are a testament to that love. Using cottage cheese as a base not only adds protein but also keeps these brownies moist and rich. The unexpected crunch of cocoa nibs elevates each bite, bringing a delicious depth of flavor. I've made these brownies for friends, and they never guess the secret ingredient. If you’re on the lookout for a healthier alternative to traditional brownies that still satisfy your sweet tooth, then keep reading!

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:58:14.467Z

During my trials making these brownies, I discovered the magic of using cottage cheese in baked goods. It not only provides moisture but also a subtle richness that allows the chocolate flavors to shine through. I loved the addition of cocoa nibs, giving the brownies a pleasant crunch and a robust chocolate taste that perfectly complements the sweetness.

One crucial tip I learned is to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly before adding it to the batter. This ensures a smooth texture, avoiding any lumpy surprises in your brownies. Trust me, the extra step is worth it for that velvety brownie experience!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Unique flavor from cottage cheese adds a delightful twist
Rich chocolate flavor is perfectly balanced with the crunch of cocoa nibs
Guilt-free indulgence with added protein and reduced fat

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Using cottage cheese in these brownies serves two critical functions: moisture and protein. Traditional brownie recipes often rely on butter and eggs for richness, but cottage cheese not only keeps the brownies delightfully moist, it also enhances their nutritional profile. This substitution helps create a dense and fudgy texture, ensuring you won’t miss the extra fat. Make sure to blend it until smooth, as any lumps can disrupt the texture of the final product.

Additionally, cottage cheese contains casein protein, which digests slowly and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. This makes these brownies a more satisfying treat, especially if you're looking for something that feels indulgent but offers nutritional benefits. Just remember to pick a quality brand, as the taste can significantly affect the overall flavor of your brownies.

Understanding Cocoa Nibs

Cocoa nibs are a fantastic addition to these brownies as they not only provide a satisfying crunch but also contribute a deep chocolate flavor without additional sweetness. Unlike chocolate chips, which can melt and create gooey pockets, cocoa nibs maintain their structure during baking, delivering a more intense cocoa experience. If you can't find cocoa nibs, you can swap them for roughly chopped dark chocolate—just be aware this will alter the texture slightly.

When incorporating cocoa nibs, it's important to gently fold them into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom. This ensures an even distribution throughout the brownies, allowing every bite to enjoy that lovely crunch. Aim for about half a cup; too many could overpower the brownie’s rich chocolate flavor, while too few might leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious brownies:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cocoa nibs

Mix everything well and prepare for baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Then add sugar, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the blended mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Incorporate Cocoa Nibs

Fold in the cocoa nibs gently into the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness!

Pro Tips

Make sure to blend the cottage cheese until smooth to ensure a velvety texture in the brownies. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them moist.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These brownies are great for make-ahead desserts. Once baked, allow them to cool completely in the pan. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy them.

To keep the brownies moist after freezing, you might opt to drizzle them with a light chocolate ganache or a simple glaze when serving. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also counteracts any dryness that can occur after freezing, maintaining that desired fudgy texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can also be enhanced with additional toppings. Serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a delightful contrast to the fudgy brownie base. For a more sophisticated touch, drizzle with a homemade salted caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving to impress guests at a gathering.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding spices like cinnamon or a pinch of espresso powder into the batter. These spices can add a new layer of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Just be cautious not to overpower the rich chocolate taste; a little goes a long way!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well and will still provide the moisture needed.

→ Are cocoa nibs necessary?

Cocoa nibs add a unique crunch and flavor, but you can substitute with chocolate chips if you prefer.

→ How do I store the brownies?

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze the brownies! Just wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.