Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Flour
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I’ve always been a fan of brownies, but when I discovered a healthier alternative with cottage cheese and almond flour, I was thrilled! These Cottage Cheese Brownies are not only delicious but pack a punch of protein and flavor. The creamy cottage cheese provides a light and moist texture, while the almond flour contributes a nutty flavor that elevates these brownies to the next level. If you’re looking for a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth, you’ve come to the right recipe!
When I first made these Cottage Cheese Brownies, I was skeptical about combining cottage cheese with chocolate. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the results! The brownies turned out rich and fudgy, with a delightful texture that I didn’t expect. The key is to blend the cottage cheese until smooth so that it seamlessly integrates into the batter without leaving any lumps.
Additionally, using almond flour instead of regular flour not only makes these brownies gluten-free, but it also adds a subtle sweetness and nuttiness that perfectly complements the chocolate. I replaced some of the sugar with natural sweeteners to reduce calories while keeping the brownies satisfying. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love These Brownies
- High in protein thanks to cottage cheese
- Nutty flavor from almond flour enhances the chocolate
- Rich and fudgy texture without the excess calories
Understanding Ingredients
Cottage cheese plays a crucial role in these brownies, contributing not only to their moist texture but also to their protein content. When blended until smooth, it eliminates any curds, allowing for a silky batter. If you're aiming for a low-fat option, opt for low-fat cottage cheese, but be mindful that this may slightly impact the richness. Almond flour not only adds flavor but also provides healthy fats, making these brownies more satisfying than traditional versions.
Dark chocolate chips add a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the nuttiness of almond flour. When choosing chocolate chips, look for ones that contain at least 70% cocoa to maintain the health focus of this recipe. You can also substitute them with milk chocolate or semi-sweet chips if you prefer a sweeter treat. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using dairy-free chocolate chips; they will still melt beautifully and contribute to the fudgy texture.
Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies
When mixing the wet ingredients, be sure to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly. This is key to achieving a smooth batter and preventing any clumps that could lead to uneven baking. Use a food processor or a blender to get it as creamy as possible, ensuring that every bite of brownie is consistently delicious.
Baking time can vary depending on your oven and the specific pan you use. Keep an eye on your brownies around the 20-minute mark. You’ll want to look for slightly puffed edges and a center that doesn’t jiggle. If your toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, that’s perfectly fine; it means the brownies will be fudgy rather than dry.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, eggs, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. This adds not just flavor, but a lovely texture as well.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be made ahead of time, making them great for meal prep or snack planning. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, slice them first, then wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-friendly bag.
To enjoy frozen brownies, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that just-baked feel.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Feel free to customize these brownies according to your taste. You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or fold in dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist. Swapping out some of the cocoa powder for a scoop of your favorite protein powder can enhance the protein content even further, making these a post-workout treat.
These brownies are delicious on their own, but for a more indulgent dessert, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of nut butter or a sprinkle of sea salt can also elevate the flavor experience, adding richness and a savory note that balances the sweetness wonderfully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use another type of flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, you can use oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour if you prefer, but the taste and texture will vary.
→ How should I store the brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with another ingredient?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a good alternative if you want a similar texture and protein boost.
→ Are these brownies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! Since almond flour is gluten-free, these brownies are a great option for those avoiding gluten.
Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Flour
I’ve always been a fan of brownies, but when I discovered a healthier alternative with cottage cheese and almond flour, I was thrilled! These Cottage Cheese Brownies are not only delicious but pack a punch of protein and flavor. The creamy cottage cheese provides a light and moist texture, while the almond flour contributes a nutty flavor that elevates these brownies to the next level. If you’re looking for a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth, you’ve come to the right recipe!
Created by: Ottilie James
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 brownies
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, eggs, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. This adds not just flavor, but a lovely texture as well.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 6g