Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Highlighted under: Soft Cooking

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts whenever I need a sweet treat that's a little different from the norm. The cottage cheese adds a surprising creaminess that blends beautifully with rich chocolate flavors, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. Every bite is an indulgence that feels guilt-free, thanks to the protein boost from the cottage cheese. Whether I’m baking for friends or just for myself, these brownies become an instant favorite time after time.

Created by

Miranda Keats

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:57:34.543Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in my brownie recipe, I was skeptical if it would really make a difference. However, the creaminess it brought to the table was a game-changer, creating a rich and moist texture that rivaled any traditional brownie. Plus, it felt wonderful to know I was sneaking in some extra protein!

I also discovered that adding chopped walnuts not only enhanced the flavor profile, but the crunch balanced out the chewy texture of the brownies. If you want them even more chocolatey, don’t hesitate to throw in some dark chocolate chips as well!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Luxuriously moist brownie texture enhanced by cottage cheese
Rich chocolate flavor with a delightful walnut crunch
A unique twist on a classic dessert that satisfies cravings
Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a pivotal role in these brownies, providing both moisture and a creamy texture that elevates the brownie experience. This dairy ingredient not only enhances the richness of the chocolate but also offers a protein boost, making your dessert feel indulgent without the guilt. When blended until smooth, the cottage cheese becomes nearly undetectable in flavor, allowing the chocolate to shine while contributing to the brownies' moistness. This is particularly advantageous as it helps prevent the brownies from drying out during baking.

The addition of cottage cheese also opens doors for various dietary considerations. For instance, if you're seeking a healthier alternative to traditional brownies, the use of cottage cheese means you can reduce the amount of butter or oil typically required. If you’re looking for further reductions in calories or fat, using low-fat or even fat-free cottage cheese can still yield excellent results without sacrificing moisture.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the perfect brownie texture is an art, and with these Cottage Cheese Brownies, it's vital to pay attention to the mixing process. Avoid over-mixing once you've combined the wet and dry ingredients, as this can lead to tougher brownies due to excessive gluten formation. Stir just until the flour is incorporated, and the batter looks uniform. The final batter should be thick yet pourable, resembling a luscious brownie batter rather than a cookie dough consistency.

Baking at the right temperature is crucial for accomplishing that ideal fudgy texture. As the brownies bake, they should rise a little and form a slight crust on the top. To check for doneness, I recommend using the toothpick test about 25 minutes into baking. Ideally, you want the toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs, signaling the brownies are fudgy but not underbaked. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes to avoid overcooking, which could lead to a cakey outcome.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Mix and match different nuts or add chocolate chips to suit your taste!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Blend the Cottage Cheese

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

Combine Ingredients

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

Add Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts gently until evenly incorporated into the batter.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

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

These brownies are best served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Pro Tips

For added richness, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the brownies after they've cooled.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Once you've enjoyed your Cottage Cheese Brownies, storing them properly will ensure they stay fresh. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but for longer storage, refrigerating them is a better option. When stored in the fridge, these brownies can last up to a week without losing their rich texture. Be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving, as they taste best when slightly warmed.

If you choose to freeze the brownies, I recommend cutting them into squares before wrapping each piece tightly in cling film followed by aluminum foil. This double-layer method prevents freezer burn and preserves flavor. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight when you're ready to indulge again, and pop a piece in the microwave for a few seconds to restore that gooey texture.

Variations to Try

Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors in these Cottage Cheese Brownies! For a delightful twist, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. Alternatively, incorporating a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella will provide a creamy element that complements the brownies beautifully. You could even mix in some chocolate chips for an extra rich experience, playing up the chocolate theme.

If you're looking for a blood sugar-friendly option, substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar or stevia, keeping the same quantities. This swap will provide a slightly different flavor profile but still allow for that sweet satisfaction. Additionally, swapping out walnuts for chopped pecans or even almonds can introduce a new texture and flavor without deviating too far from the essence of the original recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the walnuts for another nut?

Absolutely! Almonds or pecans work great as alternatives.

→ Is there a way to make these gluten-free?

Yes, just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Yes, these brownies freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.