Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts! These indulgent treats balance the richness of chocolate with the wholesome goodness of cottage cheese, making them a guilt-free pleasure. The nuts add a delightful crunch that complements the fudgy texture perfectly. When baked, the unique ingredients create a brownie that's both chewy and moist, perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth without the excess calories. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that I can't get enough of, and I'd love to share this recipe with you.

Created by

Autumn Pierce

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:01:17.728Z

When I first decided to incorporate cottage cheese into my brownies, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. The texture turned out to be irresistibly fudgy, and the flavor was rich without being overwhelming. I love how the creaminess of the cottage cheese balances the sweetness of the chocolate, making each brownie decadent yet satisfying.

One tip I found particularly helpful is to use a good quality cocoa powder. It truly makes a difference in the final flavor of the brownies. Plus, mixing in the walnuts not only adds a nice crunch but also some healthy fats that make these brownies feel even more satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try them!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        A healthier alternative to traditional brownies with creamy cottage cheese
Deliciously fudgy texture with a satisfying walnut crunch
Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the guilt

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Using cottage cheese in brownies is a game-changer. It not only provides moisture but also adds protein, allowing you to indulge without feeling guilty. The cottage cheese blends seamlessly into the batter, so you won't detect a cheesy flavor, just a wonderfully fudgy texture. This ingredient is key to achieving that rich mouthfeel while cutting back on fat compared to traditional brownie recipes.

If you're looking to make a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a silken tofu blend, which will yield similar results in texture. Just make sure to blend it thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency before mixing it with the other wet ingredients.

Perfecting the Fudgy Texture

Achieving the ideal fudgy texture can be somewhat tricky. You want to bake the brownies until they are just set—this typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes. The key is to look for the edges pulling away slightly from the pan while the center remains soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating that the brownies are perfectly baked and not overcooked, which would yield a dry outcome.

It's essential to let the brownies cool in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps them set further and makes cutting much easier. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for a quicker cooling process.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These brownies can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings. Once cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their freshness, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week.

For longer storage, freeze the brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that gooey texture.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

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

Mix these ingredients thoroughly for the best texture!

Instructions

Preheat the oven

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

Blend Cottage Cheese

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugars, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix the Mixture

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and fold in the chopped walnuts until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter or some chocolate chips for a richer taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further. Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or topped with fresh berries for a delightful contrast. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can also make for a decadent treat, transforming them into a show-stopping dessert.

If you're hosting a gathering, cut the brownies into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter with an assortment of toppings like chopped nuts, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. This way, your guests can customize their dessert experience.

Potential Variations

While walnuts add a pleasant crunch, feel free to experiment with different nuts or add-ins. Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts would work wonderfully. You could also introduce a swirl of peanut butter or almond butter for a rich flavor profile, or mix in some chocolate chips for an extra chocolate kick.

For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for almond or coconut flour. Just keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid content for the desired consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with another ingredient?

You could use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese, but the texture and taste may vary slightly.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, these brownies freeze well. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of walnuts?

You can use pecans or almonds, or simply omit the nuts if you prefer.