Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Highlighted under: Wellness Cooking

I’ve always been a fan of gooey brownies, but adding cottage cheese into the mix has truly elevated this classic treat for me. It results in a rich, moist texture that’s surprisingly lighter than traditional brownies. Plus, the addition of walnuts gives it that satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that I can’t resist. Whenever I make these, I find myself savoring each bite and enjoying how they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort food.

Created by

Isla Weatherford

Last updated on 2026-01-12T04:29:34.861Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in brownies, I was skeptical about how the texture would turn out. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the result! The creaminess of the cottage cheese blends perfectly with the cocoa and sugar, producing a rich flavor without being overly heavy. I love using high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate taste.

Another tip I discovered is to lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter. This enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch that complements the soft brownie base beautifully. I can never resist the combination of chocolate and nuts!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        The unique addition of cottage cheese gives these brownies a delightful, moist texture.
Perfectly balanced sweetness pairs wonderfully with the crunch of walnuts.
A lighter version of your classic brownie, making it an ideal treat any time!

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Adding cottage cheese to brownies might sound unusual, but it serves a critical purpose. It provides moisture and adds protein, which contributes to the rich texture without overwhelming sweetness. The curds also bake down, leaving behind a subtle creaminess that enhances the overall mouthfeel, resulting in brownies that feel indulgent yet lighter on the palate. Make sure to blend the cottage cheese well to avoid any lumps—nobody wants a surprise curd in their brownie!

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cottage cheese with silken tofu. This swap will maintain a similar texture while making the brownies suitable for those avoiding dairy. Just blend the silken tofu until completely smooth before mixing it with the sugar. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, so be ready for a different, but still delicious, brownie experience.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get those luscious brownies with perfectly balanced gooeyness, the baking time is key. As soon as you notice the edges pulling slightly away from the pan and the top forming a shiny crust, it's time to check for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Remember that the brownies will continue to cook a little while cooling in the pan, ensuring that they aren't overbaked and remain soft.

The temperature of your ingredients matters too. Make sure your eggs and melted butter are at room temperature to ensure a uniform batter. Cold eggs can cause the butter to seize, leading to a denser texture and uneven baking. I usually crack my eggs ahead of time and let them sit out while I’m preparing the other ingredients for this reason.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These cottage cheese brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To prolong freshness, consider refrigerating them, which can also enhance the fudgy texture as they chill. If you're looking to enjoy them later, they freeze beautifully. Simply wrap each individual brownie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last for three months in the freezer without losing quality.

When serving, dusting the top with powdered sugar can add an elegant touch, making them perfect for gatherings. You could even serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a comforting dessert option. Alternatively, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the brownies to elevate your treat even further. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Brownies

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

How to Make Cottage Cheese Brownies

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese and sugar, mixing until smooth. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.

Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Include Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your cottage cheese brownies warm or at room temperature!

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, top your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache before serving.

Ingredient Insights

The sugar in this recipe not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the brownies' overall structure. When creamed with the wet ingredients, it helps aerate the batter, creating that delightful rise during baking. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup, but be cautious, as adjusting sweetness can change the overall flavor.

Walnuts provide that essential crunch and earthy flavor, complementing the deep chocolate from the cocoa powder. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to substitute them with pecans or even chocolate chips for added decadence. Just keep in mind that altering the mix-ins may change the flavor profile slightly.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your brownies turn out too dry, it might be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Always measure flour by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling off with a knife. A kitchen scale can be an excellent tool here if you want to ensure accuracy—this recipe calls for about 65 grams of all-purpose flour.

On the other hand, if they are too moist or undercooked in the center, bake for a few more minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Remember to allow your brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting; this helps them set further, making it easier to achieve clean cuts.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I replace cottage cheese with something else?

For a similar texture, you could use Greek yogurt or a plant-based yogurt, but the flavor may vary.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

→ What can I use instead of walnuts?

You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor.