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: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup cashew butter; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp baking powder

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I’ve always been a fan of brownies, and when I discovered how cottage cheese could create a rich, fudgy texture, I was hooked. Combining it with cashew butter adds a wonderful depth of flavor and creaminess that takes these brownies to the next level. Not only do they satisfy that chocolate craving, but they’re also a bit lighter than traditional recipes. I love making these for gatherings because they’re a hit with everyone, and they're so simple to whip up in just a few minutes.

Created by

Celeste Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-12T03:10:20.845Z

One afternoon, I decided to experiment with some pantry staples, and that’s when I stumbled upon the idea of using cottage cheese in brownies. The texture was exactly what I hoped for, and the additional protein made me feel a tad less guilty about indulging. The secret lies in blending the cottage cheese thoroughly to avoid any lumps; it creates a smooth batter that bakes beautifully.

Each time I make these brownies, I enjoy varying the toppings. Sometimes I sprinkle on some dark chocolate chips or crushed nuts right before baking for added crunch and flavor. This recipe is flexible, just like my kitchen adventures, and I always look forward to sharing these decadent delights with family and friends.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cashew butter
A lighter twist on classic brownies that still satisfies your sweet tooth
Perfect for a guilt-free indulgence or as a sweet treat to share

      

Mastering the Texture

One of the standout qualities of these Cottage Cheese Brownies is their fudgy texture, which comes from using blended cottage cheese. This ingredient not only changes the mouthfeel but also adds moisture and protein, creating a satisfying bite. Be sure to blend the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth; any lumps could result in an uneven texture in the final product. A high-speed blender or food processor works best for achieving that velvety consistency.

In conjunction with cottage cheese, incorporating cashew butter gives these brownies a creamy richness without adding excessive fat. The combination of these two ingredients means the brownies remain moist and decadent while being a healthier option. If you’re unable to find cashew butter, almond butter can serve as a suitable substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.

Ingredient Insights

Sugar and honey in this recipe serve to enhance the sweetness while keeping the texture soft. If you prefer a less sweet brownie, consider reducing the sugar by up to a quarter cup without compromising the moistness. Remember that sugar aids in browning during baking, so drastic reductions may lead to paler brownies with a less developed flavor.

The use of unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for achieving a rich chocolate flavor, as it contributes not only to taste but also to the deep, dark color of the brownies. For a more intense chocolate experience, try using Dutch-processed cocoa instead, but keep in mind it might require adjusting the acid levels in your recipe.

Perfecting Your Bake

Baking times can vary due to different oven types and altitudes, so it’s important to keep an eye on the brownies as they bake. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter, they are done! If you overbake, the brownies will turn dry, losing that desired fudginess.

Allowing the brownies to cool fully before cutting is crucial; as they cool, they continue to set and become more manageable to slice. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up cooling by placing the pan in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This method helps to firm them up and maintains their shape better when cutting.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup cashew butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Blend the cottage cheese

In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.

Combine ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, cashew butter, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until well combined.

Add dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve

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

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste. You can also experiment with different nut butters in place of cashew butter if you desire a different nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be served plain or topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. Drizzling with melted dark chocolate or a homemade chocolate ganache can elevate the dessert further – perfect for impressing guests at gatherings.

For added flavor, consider incorporating ingredients such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Adding half a cup of walnuts or dark chocolate chunks can enhance both crunch and richness. Just remember that if you add too many additional ingredients, the texture may change, so keep proportions in mind.

Storage and Freezing

If you have leftovers, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, these brownies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be sure to label your container with the date so you can enjoy them at their best.

To thaw frozen brownies, simply leave them at room temperature for about an hour or microwave them for a few seconds. Reheating gives them a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or surprise guests.

Dietary Variations

This recipe is easily adaptable for various dietary needs. For a vegan alternative, substitute the eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water or use a commercial egg replacer. Additionally, you can replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the brownies vegan-friendly while still maintaining natural sweetness.

If you are looking to lower the carb content, consider substituting the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Do note that these alternatives can change the texture slightly, so adjustments in liquid may be needed. With these varieties, you can cater to different dietary preferences without sacrificing taste or enjoyment.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, but it may change the texture slightly.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

You can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.