Cottage Cheese Brownies
Cottage Cheese Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies. They are moist, rich, and satisfy your sweet tooth while offering a healthier option. Using cottage cheese gives these brownies a unique texture and packs them with protein, making them a great treat for anyone looking to indulge without the guilt.
Why Make This Recipe
These brownies are not only delicious, but they are also easy to make and require simple ingredients. By using cottage cheese, you can enjoy a brownie that is lower in fat and has more protein than regular brownies. They are perfect for a quick dessert, a snack, or even a sweet breakfast option!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Brownies
Ingredients
- 180 grams (¾ cup) cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 45 grams (½ scant cup) cocoa powder
- 80 grams (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) granular sweetener (can substitute with coconut sugar or brown sugar)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp coffee powder (optional)
- ⅙ tsp salt
- Chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a 15 cm x 15 cm (7 inch x 7 inch) brownie pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a blender, combine cottage cheese, egg, cocoa powder, and granular sweetener. If you would like, add baking powder, coffee powder, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth brownie batter.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips on top for an extra treat.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; mine took about 25 minutes.
- Once baked, let the brownies cool completely at room temperature before slicing them into pieces.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge for a maximum of 4 days.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Brownies
These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can take them up a notch by serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with fruits like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Brownies
To store your brownies, make sure they are completely cool. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge to maintain freshness. They will remain good for about 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer.
Tips to Make Cottage Cheese Brownies
- Make sure to blend the cottage cheese well; it helps in achieving a smooth texture in your brownies.
- To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a bit more cocoa powder to suit your taste.
- Experiment with mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits to give your brownies added crunch and flavor.
Variation
If you want to change things up, consider adding different flavorings like vanilla extract or almond extract. You can also use different types of sweeteners based on your preference, such as honey or maple syrup.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese in this recipe?
Yes, low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese works perfectly in this recipe. However, the texture might be slightly different.
2. What can I substitute for cocoa powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can try using carob powder, although it will change the flavor profile slightly.
3. Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure the cocoa powder and sweeteners you use are gluten-free, these brownies will be gluten-free too!
Enjoy making and indulging in these Cottage Cheese Brownies! They are not just tasty but also a healthier alternative to traditional brownies that you can feel good about eating.