Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Chocolate Chunks

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Chocolate Chunks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar or sugar substitute; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup dark chocolate chunks; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Chocolate Chunks because they redefine the concept of a guilt-free dessert. Using cottage cheese not only adds a delightful creaminess but also boosts the protein content while keeping the brownies moist. Each bite is loaded with rich dark chocolate that perfectly contrasts the subtle tang of the cottage cheese. It's an indulgent treat that satisfies my sweet tooth without compromising my health goals, making it a staple in my baking repertoire.

Created by

Keira Dalton

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:58:12.835Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in brownies, I was skeptical. How could something so rich and indulgent be made healthier without sacrificing taste? After several trials, I discovered that blending the cottage cheese until smooth was key. It gives the brownies a rich texture while keeping them light.

Additionally, using high-quality dark chocolate chunks elevates the flavor profile. The chunks melt beautifully, creating pockets of fudgy delight. I can’t recommend this method enough; it’s a game changer for brownie lovers like me!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cottage cheese
Fudgy texture with delightful chunks of dark chocolate
A healthier twist on a classic dessert without sacrificing taste

      

The Secret to Moist Brownies

Using blended cottage cheese in these brownies not only adds moisture but also infuses them with a rich creaminess that you wouldn't expect from a healthier dessert. The cottage cheese serves as an excellent substitute for traditional fatty ingredients like butter or oil, resulting in a lower-fat treat without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly for a smooth batter, as any lumps could disrupt the texture and lead to uneven baking.

While baking, watch for the telltale sign of doneness: the edges should be slightly set and pulling away from the sides of the pan, while the center remains slightly soft. This creates that ideal fudgy texture that makes these brownies so enjoyable. If you’re unsure, a toothpick test can be helpful—take it out when it comes out with a few moist crumbs, rather than completely clean.

Making the Perfect Chocolate Chunks

Choosing the right type of dark chocolate is crucial for the ultimate brownie experience. Opt for a chocolate that has at least 60% cocoa content; it will deliver a deeper flavor profile and a wonderful contrast to the subtle tang of the cottage cheese. I recommend chopping chocolate bars into chunks rather than using pre-packaged chips; this way, you'll get varied sizes that create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies.

Fold the chocolate chunks into the batter gently to avoid breaking them up too much. You want to keep some chunks intact for that delicious burst of chocolate when you bite into a brownie. If you’d like to experiment with flavors, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to amplify the chocolate richness or swap in nuts for added texture!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar or sugar substitute
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup dark chocolate chunks
A pinch of salt

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, cocoa powder, flour, sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Add Chocolate Chunks

Fold in the dark chocolate chunks carefully to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Cool and Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Pro Tips

For an added flavor twist, try mixing in some chopped nuts or a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storing and Freezing Brownies

These brownies are perfect for make-ahead dessert prep. Once cooled, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their deliciousness for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

If you find the brownies are too moist for your liking after storing, a quick re-bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes can help regain some texture. Just keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Serving Suggestions

For an added touch, top your brownies with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also complements the rich chocolate with a refreshing, tangy flavor. Alternatively, you could drizzle a light chocolate glaze over the cooled brownies for an extra indulgent treat.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with spices in your batter, like a dash of cinnamon or cardamom, to elevate the flavor. Additionally, topping the brownies with shredded coconut or chopped nuts before baking can introduce delightful textures and tastes that complement the chocolate beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well, but ensure it's blended smoothly for the best texture.

→ How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the brownies gluten-free.

→ Can I substitute the dark chocolate with milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that the sweetness may change depending on the chocolate's sugar content.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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