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 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup cashew butter; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Golden Treats

I absolutely love these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter. The rich, fudgy texture combined with the sweetness of cashew butter creates a delightful dessert that feels indulgent yet guilt-free. When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how the cottage cheese made the brownies moist without overwhelming them with calories. Each bite brings a comforting flavor that’s perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth, whether I'm hosting friends or just treating myself.

Created by

Noemi Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-12T03:04:24.151Z

Making these Cottage Cheese Brownies was an experiment that paid off in the most delicious way. I was inspired to incorporate cottage cheese into a brownie recipe to add protein and moisture. To my amazement, the texture turned out beautifully fudgy, and the subtle tang from the cheese balanced really well with the sweetness of the cashew butter.

I also found that using cashew butter instead of traditional butter added a wonderful nutty flavor that enhanced the overall richness. Next time, I plan to sprinkle some chocolate chips on top for an extra treat!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cashew butter
Moist texture thanks to cottage cheese
Low in calories yet satisfying your chocolate cravings
Perfect as a post-workout snack or an afternoon treat

The Importance of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the unsung hero of these brownies, contributing not only to their moistness but also to their nutritional profile. By using cottage cheese instead of butter or oil, you significantly reduce the calorie content while still achieving that coveted fudgy texture. The protein in cottage cheese helps to make these brownies a more balanced treat, providing energy without the crash often associated with sugary snacks.

When blending the cottage cheese, ensure that you achieve a completely smooth consistency. This will help prevent any curds from remaining, which could affect the overall texture of your brownies. I recommend using a high-speed blender or food processor, which makes quick work of breaking down the cottage cheese and creates a beautifully cohesive batter.

Choosing the Right Sweetener

In this recipe, you have the option to use either honey or maple syrup as a sweetener. Honey will impart a subtle floral sweetness, while maple syrup adds a rich, earthy flavor that complements the cocoa beautifully. Decide based on your personal taste preference and dietary considerations, especially if you're looking for a vegan option; maple syrup is the ideal choice in that case.

Keep in mind that both honey and maple syrup have different levels of sweetness, so if you're experimenting with the recipe, adjust accordingly. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar alternative, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar, but be cautious not to alter the liquid balance of the batter, as that can impact the final texture.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer, making them a handy treat for last-minute cravings or for meal prepping.

When serving, consider pairing these brownies with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream for an extra layer of creaminess. You could also drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless when elevating this already delightful dessert!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your brownies:

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup cashew butter
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup honey or maple syrup
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to create these delightful brownies!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare the brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, cashew butter, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Pour and Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy your deliciously unique brownies!

Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the rich flavors!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, try using almond butter instead of cashew butter. You can also top the brownies with crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for flavor enhancement.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, cottage cheese can be swapped for vegan cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth. Both substitutions will contribute moisture and a similar texture, keeping the brownies rich and fudgy. It's a fantastic way to maintain the integrity of the dessert while accommodating dietary restrictions.

For those who may have nut allergies, cashew butter can be replaced with sun butter or pumpkin seed butter, giving an alternative nut-like flavor without the allergens. Keep in mind that these butters may have different consistencies, so you might need to adjust the liquid components slightly to achieve the desired batter thickness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with brownies is the potential for them to turn out too dry or crumbly. To avoid this, make sure not to over-bake them, as baking even a few minutes too long can lead to a less-than-ideal texture. Keep an eye on them, and check for doneness around the 25-minute mark. The edges should be set, and the center will appear slightly soft but not wet.

If you find your brownies are too dense or overly gooey, this might indicate that they were under-baked or too much cottage cheese was used. Adjust the blending time or consider baking a few minutes longer the next time. Additionally, make sure your oven temperature is accurate; using an oven thermometer can help with achieving perfect results.

Variations to Try

If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. This subtle touch can elevate the brownies without adding any noticeable coffee taste. Another delightful variation is to mix in some chocolate chips or nuts for an added surprise in each bite, giving the brownies both texture and bursts of sweetness.

For a fruity twist, try folding in some mashed bananas or pureed pumpkin into the batter. Not only will this add a unique flavor profile, but it will also enhance the moistness of the brownies. Just be sure to adjust the sweetener slightly, as both fruits naturally add sweetness to the mix.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but full-fat may provide a richer flavor and texture.

→ How can I make these brownies vegan?

You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use a plant-based sweetener.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Yes, these brownies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.