Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup cashew butter; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Food

I am thrilled to share my Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter recipe! When I first experimented with this idea, I was amazed at how the creamy texture of cottage cheese transformed the usual brownie experience. It's not only an unexpected ingredient but also one that boosts the protein content. These brownies turn out rich and fudgy, with the delightful essence of cashew butter complementing the chocolate beautifully. If you're looking for a unique twist on a classic dessert, you're in for a treat with these brownies!

Created by

Octavia Bellamy

Last updated on 2026-01-11T16:21:35.474Z

Making these Cottage Cheese Brownies was an adventure in the kitchen! I had some leftover cottage cheese and decided to incorporate it into brownies for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor. The result was surprisingly delicious—everyone in my family loved them! The cashew butter adds a nutty richness, making these brownies stand out even more.

I also discovered that blending the cottage cheese until smooth prevented any lumps, giving the brownies a perfectly fudgy texture. To elevate them further, I topped with a sprinkle of sea salt after baking, which really enhances the chocolate flavor. Trust me, you will want to make these over and over!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a nutty cashew twist
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Packed with protein for a guilt-free indulgence

      

Transformative Texture

The use of cottage cheese in these brownies not only adds protein but also creates a unique moist texture that's hard to achieve with traditional brownie recipes. Blending the cottage cheese until smooth is crucial; any lumps can lead to an uneven texture. When baked, the cottage cheese contributes to a fudgy consistency while keeping the brownies from becoming overly dense. This creamy element makes each bite feel indulgent while also allowing for a lighter dessert experience.

Pairing this creamy ingredient with the nutty flavor of cashew butter enhances the depth of the brownies. Cashew butter has a naturally sweet and slightly earthy taste that complements the rich cocoa powder beautifully. If you're vegan or need a nut-free alternative, you can substitute the cashew butter with sunflower seed butter; just note that it may impart a slightly different flavor without losing too much on creaminess.

Baking Insights

Baking these brownies at 350°F (175°C) is a sweet spot for achieving that perfect texture; however, every oven is different. To ensure consistent results, I recommend testing the brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time ends. Look for edges that are just pulling away from the sides of the pan and a center that feels set but slightly soft to the touch. Using a toothpick for testing is essential—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re in the goldilocks zone.

If you find yourself without certain ingredients, adapting this recipe is straightforward. For instance, you can use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option or swap out dark chocolate chips for cacao nibs for a crunchier texture. Just remember that each substitution might slightly alter the flavor profile and sweetness level, so you may need to adjust accordingly.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup cashew butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Ensure everything is measured accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for delicious brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the blended cottage cheese, cashew butter, honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick 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 enjoying!

Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding nuts or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top before serving.

Storage Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you can resist eating them all at once, they also freeze incredibly well. To freeze, cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will maintain their quality for up to three months; just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying again.

When it comes to serving, these brownies can shine on their own. However, if you want to elevate them even further, consider drizzling a bit of melted dark chocolate, or serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of creamy toppings with the rich brownies creates an exquisite dessert experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies come out drier than expected, it could be an indication of overbaking. Always keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. Additionally, using fresh ingredients, especially eggs and cottage cheese, can help ensure that you achieve the best possible moisture content. If your brownies do end up too dry, a quick fix is to serve them with a side of homemade chocolate sauce or fruit compote for added moisture.

On the other hand, if your brownies are too fudgy and gooey, it’s possible that not enough flour or cocoa was incorporated, or they weren’t baked long enough. The key is to follow recommended measurements closely and to use the toothpick test to confirm doneness. Adjusting the baking time slightly or letting them cool completely in the pan might also help in achieving that perfect consistency next time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, feel free to substitute almond butter or even peanut butter for a different flavor.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free oats if they are included in your cashew butter.