Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon
Highlighted under: Sweet Food
I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon because they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and nutritious. The addition of cottage cheese provides a surprisingly creamy texture that enhances the chocolatey goodness while adding protein. The hint of cinnamon elevates the flavor, creating a unique twist compared to traditional brownies. They're not only a delicious treat but also a great way to enjoy some healthy ingredients, making them ideal for any occasion. Trust me, your guests will be pleasantly surprised!
When I first tried these Cottage Cheese Brownies, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese in a dessert. However, the result was a rich and moist brownie that had an unforgettable, velvety texture. My family couldn’t believe there was cottage cheese hidden inside! This recipe is a game-changer for those wanting to enjoy a guilt-free treat without sacrificing flavor.
Not only do these brownies satisfy my sweet tooth, but they also offer a boost in nutrition. Using cottage cheese means I can indulge in chocolate while still getting a good dose of protein. The cinnamon adds warmth and depth, making these the ultimate comfort food. I always keep a batch on hand for unexpected guests!
Why You'll Love These Brownies
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of cinnamon
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for guilt-free indulgence and dessert gatherings
Understanding Ingredients
The star ingredient in these brownies is cottage cheese, which adds moisture and protein without the heaviness of traditional butter or oil. Its creamy texture blends seamlessly with the cocoa, resulting in a rich mouthfeel. Ensure you use smooth cottage cheese for the best results; if necessary, you can blend it a bit longer before adding it to the batter to eliminate any lumpiness.
Cocoa powder is crucial for providing the deep chocolate flavor. Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa can elevate the brownies, giving them a more robust taste. You might also experiment with dark cocoa for a more intense chocolate experience, but adjust the sugar slightly if you're using a richer type.
Perfecting the Baking Process
Baking at the right temperature is key. Preheating your oven to 350°F ensures even cooking and prevents the brownies from becoming too dry or dense. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes—they should be set in the center and might puff up slightly. A toothpick test is essential; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for the best fudgy texture.
Letting the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes is important for proper slicing. If you try to cut them too soon, they may crumble. Once cooled, use a sharp knife for clean cuts, and consider chilling them briefly for a firmer texture, which makes them easier to handle.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix all the ingredients and prepare to bake!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
Blend the Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Blend until smooth.
Prepare the Batter
Pour the blended mixture into a mixing bowl and gently fold in the flour until just combined.
Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Serve with your favorite ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies can stand alone, but adding toppings can take them to the next level. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate enhances the presentation and adds extra sweetness. For a contrast in texture, try serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which balances the richness beautifully.
If you prefer a fruity touch, consider pairing your brownies with fresh berries. The acidity of raspberries or strawberries can cut through the richness, providing a refreshing balance. A light berry compote drizzled on top can also add a lovely visual appeal and extra flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These brownies store well, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert. After they cool completely, you can cover them with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to two months.
Reheating is also straightforward. Simply place individual squares on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds until warmed through, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This revives their fudgy texture and makes them feel freshly baked.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese will work fine but may result in slightly less richness.
→ Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar will add a lovely molasses flavor and extra moisture.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well!
Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon
I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon because they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and nutritious. The addition of cottage cheese provides a surprisingly creamy texture that enhances the chocolatey goodness while adding protein. The hint of cinnamon elevates the flavor, creating a unique twist compared to traditional brownies. They're not only a delicious treat but also a great way to enjoy some healthy ingredients, making them ideal for any occasion. Trust me, your guests will be pleasantly surprised!
Created by: Octavia Bellamy
Recipe Type: Sweet Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 brownies
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Blend until smooth.
Pour the blended mixture into a mixing bowl and gently fold in the flour until just combined.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g