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 pieces
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I recently discovered a delightful twist on traditional brownies that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the health benefits of cottage cheese. These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts are not only delicious but also surprisingly nutritious compared to your average brownie recipe. The cottage cheese adds moisture and a creamy texture, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. I’m excited to share this recipe as it’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the guilt!

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:34:08.954Z

When I first tried to incorporate cottage cheese into a dessert, I was skeptical, but the results were astonishing! The cottage cheese maintains the moistness of the brownies while cutting down on fat. I also love how it subtly enhances the protein content without altering the traditional brownie flavor. Each bite is rich and fudgy, making it hard to believe they are healthier!

Experimenting with different add-ins, I found that toasting the walnuts before mixing them in truly elevates the flavor profile. It brings an extra depth and crunch that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. This method not only adds a delightful texture but also infuses a warm aroma that fills the kitchen.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor with a hint of walnut crunch
Sneaky protein boost from the cottage cheese
Perfect for guilt-free indulgence any time of the day

      

Ingredient Insights

The key to achieving a moist, rich texture in these brownies lies in using cottage cheese instead of traditional fat sources like butter. The cottage cheese not only adds moisture but also provides a subtle tang that enhances the chocolate flavor. Make sure to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly until smooth to avoid any curds in the final batter, which could affect the texture. You can even use low-fat cottage cheese if you're looking to cut down on calories, as it will still deliver great results.

Unsweetened cocoa powder is another critical ingredient in this recipe, as it gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor without adding excess sugar. I recommend using a high-quality cocoa powder for the best taste. Also, feel free to add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes even further. If you're looking for a dairy-free version, try substituting the cottage cheese with silken tofu, blended until creamy.

Perfecting the Bake

When baking these brownies, proper timing is essential. The suggested baking time is 25 minutes, but keep in mind that oven temperatures can vary. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the 25-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s a sign you may have overbaked them, which could lead to a drier texture. Aim for a fudgy consistency that will set firmly once cooled.

Cooling the brownies completely in the pan is vital for achieving clean cuts and a solid texture. I recommend letting them sit for at least an hour at room temperature. If you prefer, you can place them in the fridge for quicker cooling, which will also firm them up a bit more, making slicing easier. For extra indulgence, try topping the cooled brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, flour, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.

Add Bake Mix-ins

Fold in the walnuts, baking powder, and salt gently until just combined.

Bake the Brownies

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

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Let the brownies cool for a richer taste!

Pro Tips

For best results, let the brownies sit for a day before serving
the flavors deepen and the texture improves.

Storage Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation, which could lead to stickiness or sogginess. For freezing, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. They will maintain their texture for up to three months in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen brownie, simply thaw it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds for a warm, fudgy treat. Just be cautious not to overheat, as this could make them tough. Keeping a batch handy in the freezer is a great way to have a quick, guilt-free dessert ready to go.

Customizing Your Brownies

Feel free to get creative with mix-ins aside from walnuts! Chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even seeds can be added to the batter for extra texture and flavor. If you enjoy a bit of spice, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg could add a warm depth to the chocolate. For a different nutty flavor, try replacing walnuts with pecans or almonds, though be mindful of the size of chunks for even distribution throughout the batter.

If you're making these brownies for special dietary needs, consider substituting sugar with an alternative sweetener like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Each option may alter the final texture slightly, so keep an eye on the baking time. For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. These adaptations provide delicious results while accommodating different dietary preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works great in this recipe without sacrificing flavor.

→ Can I substitute the walnuts for another nut?

Absolutely! You can use pecans or almonds if you prefer.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, they freeze well! Just wrap each piece individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.