Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Collection

I absolutely love making cottage cheese brownies with peanut butter! The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich peanut butter creates a rich, moist brownie that’s irresistibly delicious. Not only do they satisfy my sweet tooth, but they also pack a protein punch, making them a great treat any time of day. Plus, the added twist of peanut butter takes these brownies to a whole new level. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe, perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own!

Created by

Natalie Evans

Last updated on 2026-01-12T05:05:34.948Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in brownies, I was pleasantly surprised by how moist and rich they turned out. The secret to this recipe is blending the cottage cheese until it's smooth and creamy, which ensures there are no lumps in the final product. This not only makes the brownies tender but also adds a unique flavor profile.

Another tip I've learned is to let the brownies cool completely before slicing them. This way, they hold together better, and each piece has that perfect decadent texture. The touch of peanut butter really elevates the overall experience, making each bite a delight for the palate.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter
Moist texture thanks to the cottage cheese
A healthier twist on traditional brownies without sacrificing taste

      

Crafting the Perfect Brownie Texture

Achieving the ideal brownie texture requires careful attention to the wet and dry ingredient ratios. The creamy cottage cheese provides moisture, while the peanut butter adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel. Make sure to blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth to avoid any lumps in your batter. This step is crucial for ensuring that the brownies are consistently moist and chewy throughout.

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it’s important to combine them gently. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the light, fudgy texture we’re aiming for. Stir just until you no longer see dry flour and everything is combined. A few visible lumps are fine, as they will bake out during cooking.

Ingredient Insights

Using both granulated and brown sugar enhances the flavor of these brownies while contributing to their moisture content. Granulated sugar helps create a nice rise, while brown sugar provides that subtle caramel flavor and keeps the brownies soft. If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative can be used, but keep in mind this may alter the texture slightly.

Cocoa powder plays a pivotal role in the chocolate flavor profile. For a deeper cocoa taste, opt for Dutch-processed cocoa, which has a smoother flavor and rich color. If you prefer a lighter brownie, you can reduce the cocoa powder by a few tablespoons and substitute with more flour to maintain volume.

Storage and Serving Tips

Storing these cottage cheese brownies properly will ensure they remain delicious for days. If you’ve made a batch ahead of time, let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When it's time to serve, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the flavor even further. For extra peanut butter goodness, serve with a dollop of peanut butter on the side or mix in chopped peanuts for added crunch.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

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 mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Both Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Ensure there are no lumps.

Bake the Brownies

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

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares. For best results, allow them to cool completely.

Pro Tips

For extra decadence, top your brownies with chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate before serving. They are also delightful with a scoop of ice cream!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies turn out too dry, it might be due to overbaking. To prevent this, keep a close eye on the baking time and start checking for doneness around 22 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center may still look slightly underbaked when you pull them out. They will continue to cook in the pan as they cool.

Conversely, if the brownies appear too gooey in the center, it could indicate they haven't baked long enough. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If the top appears shiny and cracked, that’s a sign of a perfect bake, so trust your visual cues!

Making Variations

For those who want a nutty twist, consider folding in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter. This adds texture and boosts the chocolate flavor without compromising the original integrity of the recipe. You can also swirls of additional peanut butter on top before baking for an extra dose of nuttiness and visual appeal.

If you’re looking for a low-carb version, you can use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and erythritol or stevia as substitutes for sugar. Keep in mind that adjustments might be needed in baking time and consistency, so feel free to monitor the batter closely as it comes together.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute if you want a lighter option.

→ 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 add chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Adding semi-sweet chocolate chips works beautifully for added richness.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.