Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Pastry Pleasures

I love experimenting in the kitchen, especially when it comes to healthier dessert options. These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Butter quickly became a favorite in my household. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich almond butter not only adds a unique flavor but also improves the nutrition profile. They're surprisingly fudge-like, yet you can feel good about indulging in them. Trust me, these brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth without all the guilt.

Created by

Eliza Thornton

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:52:12.877Z

I remember the first time I decided to replace traditional ingredients with cottage cheese in my brownie recipe. I was a bit skeptical but pleasantly surprised. The subtle tang of the cottage cheese paired so well with the sweetness of the almond butter, giving the brownies a rich flavor that was both healthy and delicious.

While baking, I recommend checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than completely clean. This ensures the brownies remain fudgy and don't dry out, which is key for the perfect texture!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Decadent flavor with a hint of nuttiness from almond butter
Packed with protein thanks to the cottage cheese
A guilt-free dessert perfect for any occasion

Mastering the Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in these brownies is key. The cottage cheese not only lends a rich creaminess but also contributes moisture, making the brownies fudgy rather than dry. Make sure to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly until it's smooth; lumps can lead to a gritty texture, which is not what we want. If your blender struggles, try using low-fat cottage cheese as it typically blends easier than full-fat versions.

Another aspect to focus on is the baking time. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the brownies after the 25-minute mark. They are done when the edges start to lift away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can dry them out, diminishing the delicious fudginess we're aiming for.

Flavor Enhancements

While these brownies are already packed with flavor, there are fun variations to consider. For a chocolate-orange twist, try adding the zest of one orange into the batter. If you want a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder; it will intensify the chocolatey goodness and add depth to each bite.

You can also incorporate mix-ins like chopped nuts or sugar-free chocolate chips, which can enhance the texture and provide additional flavor without compromising the health aspect. Just be sure to fold them in gently after combining the wet and dry ingredients to prevent overmixing, which can toughen the brownies.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious brownies:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your brownies:

Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Blend Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, almond butter, honey, and eggs. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor!

Pro Tips

These brownies store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If almond butter isn’t your favorite, peanut butter or even sunflower seed butter can work as excellent substitutes. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the flavor profile slightly. For a lower-calorie option, you can also replace the honey or maple syrup with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, adjusting to taste as these sweeteners can vary in sweetness intensity.

For those avoiding eggs, consider substituting with flax eggs—mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg and let it sit until gelatinous. This swap will maintain the moisture in the brownies while keeping them plant-based.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, refrigerate them for about a week. They also freeze beautifully; individually wrap squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

If you decide to make them ahead of time for a gathering, I recommend baking them a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld and might even enhance that fudgy texture. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to avoid sogginess.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the almond butter?

Yes, you can use peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice, though the flavor will vary.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar works as a great alternative.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cocoa powder and check labels on other ingredients.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for longer shelf life.