Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons peanut butter, melted; Chopped nuts or chocolate chips for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I can confidently say that these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter have become my go-to dessert. The combination of rich flavors and a moist texture is simply irresistible. By incorporating cottage cheese, I've managed to sneak in some extra protein, making this treat a little guilt-free. The creamy peanut butter swirled throughout these brownies not only enhances the taste but also provides a delightful contrast to the chocolate base. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels indulgent yet offers a nutritional boost, give this recipe a try!

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:31:23.034Z

Making these brownies has been an enjoyable journey, especially when I discovered how well the cottage cheese works in sweet recipes. It's incredible how it not only adds moisture to the brownies but also makes them taste creamy without the added fat. I experimented with the proportion of peanut butter and found that a generous swirl on top provides the perfect finishing touch.

During the baking process, I noticed that letting the brownies cool before slicing gives them a more fudgy texture. So, resist the urge to dive in right away! Additionally, using high-quality cocoa powder enhances the flavor dramatically, making each bite a little piece of heaven.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor combined with creamy peanut butter
Protein boost from cottage cheese for guilt-free indulgence
Moist and fudgy texture that satisfies every chocolate craving

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

In this recipe, cottage cheese plays a pivotal role in enhancing the texture and nutrition profile of the brownies. By blending the cottage cheese until smooth, you ensure that it evenly incorporates into the batter, contributing to a moist and fudgy final product. This ingredient is not only a source of protein but also adds a subtle creaminess that complements the chocolate flavor, making each bite feel indulgent without the excess calories typically found in traditional brownie recipes.

If you're concerned about the flavor of the cottage cheese, don't be. The richness of the cocoa powder and the sweetness from the sugars effectively mask any tanginess, resulting in a deeply chocolatey treat. For a more flavored twist, you can experiment with ricotta cheese as a substitute. It has a similar creamy texture but offers a slightly different taste, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.

Peanut Butter Swirl Techniques

Incorporating the melted peanut butter as a swirl on top of the brownies not only adds an appealing visual element but also creates pockets of rich flavor throughout each piece. When drizzling, make sure to use a fork or a small spoon to create beautiful swirls, ensuring the peanut butter evenly distributes without fully mixing in. This technique is essential for achieving that delightful contrast between the fudgy brownie base and the creamy peanut butter topping.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt atop the melted peanut butter before serving. This addition would enhance the flavor profile, creating a delightful sweet-savory contrast that will elevate the entire dessert experience.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Topping (Optional)

2 tablespoons peanut butter, melted
Chopped nuts or chocolate chips for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Pour into Baking Dish

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Top

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Drizzle melted peanut butter over the top and garnish with chopped nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra rich flavor, use dark cocoa powder. Also, these brownies freeze well
simply wrap them individually and store in an airtight container for up to a month.

Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be made ahead of time, which makes them a perfect option for parties or meal prep. After baking and cooling, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Slice them into squares, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

To keep the brownies fresh and moist during storage, ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping. This prevents excess moisture from collecting, which can lead to sogginess. Once wrapped, be mindful of how they stack; placing parchment paper between layers can help maintain their shape.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find that your brownies are coming out dry, it could be due to overbaking. Each oven is different, so I recommend checking the brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect fudgy texture. If baking in a different-sized pan, adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may shorten or lengthen the time needed.

For those who prefer a sweeter treat, consider increasing the granulated sugar by a couple of tablespoons. However, be cautious not to alter the balance too much, as it might affect the overall texture. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute the granulated sugar with a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but be mindful of the liquid ratio in the recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used as a healthier option, but it may alter the texture slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I substitute the peanut butter?

Absolutely! You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as an alternative.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg for a vegan option.