Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup cashew butter; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 cup cocoa powder; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Golden Food

I absolutely love how these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter turn out! Created with a blend of creamy cottage cheese and delectable cashew butter, they become the perfect guilt-free dessert. The balance of tastes ensures that each bite is rich and satisfying. I was pleasantly surprised by how moist the brownies are, and the texture is unlike any other recipe I’ve tried. These brownies are not only indulgent but also packed with protein, making them a delightful treat that you can feel good about eating!

Created by

Elin Matthews

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:34:37.763Z

When I first decided to experiment with cottage cheese in baked goods, I was amazed by the results. I expected a watery mess, but instead, I got a rich and moist brownie that everyone loved. The key was ensuring the cottage cheese was blended until smooth, which helped create that luscious texture we crave in brownies.

Moreover, adding cashew butter not only enhanced the creaminess but also provided a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. I recommend using dark chocolate for a richer flavor—it truly elevates the dish!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Creamy texture from the cottage cheese that makes for a unique treat
Rich flavor from the cashew butter that complements the chocolate perfectly
Lower in calories compared to traditional brownies, allowing for guilt-free indulgence

The Secret to Perfectly Moist Brownies

Achieving the right moisture level in brownies can be tricky, but the combination of cottage cheese and cashew butter plays a crucial role in this recipe. The cottage cheese contributes a creamy texture while adding protein, which helps retain moisture during baking. To ensure your brownies don’t dry out, blend the ingredients just until smooth; over-mixing can incorporate too much air and make them less dense.

Another tip is to watch the baking time closely. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your brownies at the 20-minute mark. You want the edges to be firm, but the center should still look slightly underbaked, as they will continue to set while cooling. This careful timing is key to achieving that fudgy texture you crave.

Ingredient Insights

Cashew butter is not just a flavorful element; it also adds a unique richness that complements the cocoa powder beautifully. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute almond butter or peanut butter, but keep in mind that each nut butter brings its own distinct flavor. Of course, if you have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter works well too and still gives that creamy texture you'd expect.

Using honey or maple syrup as sweeteners gives these brownies a natural sweetness, but if you're looking for a sugar-free option, you can experiment with mashed ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce. However, be cautious with the ratio, as adding too much fruit can alter the texture significantly. For every 1/2 cup of honey, you might try 1/3 cup of applesauce and reduce the total liquid by adjusting other wet ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

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

Mix all ingredients well and enjoy your brownies!

Instructions

Preheat Oven

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

Blend Ingredients

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

Pour and Bake

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

Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan. Once cooled, slice into bars and enjoy!

Serve warm or store in the refrigerator for increased firmness.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, sprinkle some chocolate chips or nuts on top before baking!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be made ahead and stored, making them a convenient choice for meal prep. Once cooled, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will remain fresh in the fridge for about a week. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the brownies. Cut them into bars, place them in layers separated by parchment paper, and store them in a zip-top freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy a brownie, simply take one out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, you can pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This also serves to revive the fudgy texture if they've become a bit denser in the freezer.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve these brownies with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in texture and temperature. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate or a sprinkling of sea salt on top before serving for extra decadence. If you want to elevate them further, consider adding fresh berries on the side to brighten the dish and add a burst of freshness.

For an added flavor twist, feel free to mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the brownie batter before baking. Dark chocolate chips will add a rich intensity, while walnuts or pecans can provide a pleasant crunch. Just remember, if you do add extras, you may want to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes! Any nut butter like almond or peanut butter will work well.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can use agave syrup or maple syrup as a substitute.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months.