Fudgy Protein Brownies Made with Cottage Cheese

Fudgy, high- protein brownies made with cottage cheese—rich, healthy, and easy to make with simple ingredients and deep chocolate flavor.

fudgy protein brownies made with cottage cheese

If you’ve ever wished that indulgent brownies could be just a little bit healthier—without sacrificing their rich, fudgy texture—this is the recipe for you. These fudgy cottage cheese brownies are packed with wholesome ingredients like full-fat cottage cheese, maple syrup, and avocado oil, and they deliver all the chocolatey goodness you crave while sneaking in a solid boost of protein. Whether you’re reaching for a sweet treat after dinner or fueling up post-workout, this high-protein dessert feels like a reward without the guilt.

Thanks to simple preparation using a food processor and a short baking time, these brownies come together quickly and deliver an unbeatable deep chocolate flavor. If you’re skeptical about cottage cheese in desserts, don’t be—its creamy texture blends seamlessly, making these healthier brownies as decadent as the traditional brownies you grew up with. Once you try them, this delicious recipe is sure to become a regular part of your cottage cheese recipes collection.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about these cottage cheese protein brownies, starting with their irresistible fudgy texture. Unlike cakey brownies, these stay moist and gooey on the inside, with a slightly crisp edge if you let them bake just a touch longer. The use of cottage cheese not only bumps up the grams of protein but also keeps the brownie batter extra luscious and smooth.

What sets these brownies apart from traditional brownie recipes is their versatility. You can feel good about enjoying them as a healthy dessert, offering your body both fuel and flavor. Whether you’re satisfying chocolate cravings, looking for a high-protein dessert, or just in need of a delicious treat, these brownies check every box.


ingredients in protein brownies recipe

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese: Choose full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and a richer taste. It adds a surprising amount of protein and a creamy texture.
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Melted into the batter, these deliver intense rich chocolate flavor. Use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet, more decadent result.
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs well with cocoa and enhances the brownies’ deep chocolate flavor.
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil: A heart-healthy fat that keeps the brownies moist.
  • 3/4 cup milk: Adds liquid for blending—feel free to use dairy or plant-based milk.
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that classic brownie depth.
  • 3/4 cup flour: White flour, whole wheat flour, or oat flour all work depending on your health goals.
  • 1 egg: Helps bind the batter and give structure.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds that classic brownie aroma.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Just enough to give the brownies lift without making them cakey.

How to Make the Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth.
  3. In a food processor, combine the melted chocolate, cottage cheese, maple syrup, avocado oil, milk, vanilla extract, egg, and cocoa powder. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour and baking soda.
  5. Pour the wet mixture from the food processor into a mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined and smooth.
  6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle additional free chocolate chips on top if desired.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
  8. Let cool to room temperature before slicing into squares and enjoying.
freshly baked protein brownies

How to Store the Recipe

For the best results, store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh even longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you like them warm, just pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before eating.

These brownies also freeze well! Slice them into individual portions, wrap in parchment or plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe airtight container. Defrost at room temperature or microwave directly from frozen.


Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese: It gives the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions may make the batter watery.
  • Don’t overmix the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients. This ensures the brownies stay soft and fudgy.
  • If using oat flour or whole wheat flour instead of white flour, start by subbing 1:1 but check texture—some flours absorb more liquid.
  • Want to take them up a notch? Swirl in some peanut butter or fold in chopped walnuts for extra richness and texture.
  • For a boost of protein, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the batter—just reduce flour slightly to balance.
  • Be sure the melted chocolate is warm but not hot when adding to the food processor so you don’t scramble the egg.

Ready to indulge without the guilt? These fudgy protein brownies made with cottage cheese are a true game-changer. Whether you’re new to cottage cheese recipes or just looking for a healthy dessert that doesn’t taste like one, this is the delicious recipe you’ll be coming back to next time you feel a sweet tooth strike.

Don’t forget to bookmark the recipe card and let us know how yours turned out!


FAQs

Can I make this brownie recipe without a food processor?

Yes! If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a high-speed blender or even a hand mixer. Just ensure the cottage cheese is fully blended into a smooth consistency.

How much protein is in each brownie?

While the exact amount depends on your ingredient brands and modifications, you can expect each brownie to offer around 6–8 grams of protein, making this a fantastic high-protein dessert option.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

You can, but full-fat cottage cheese delivers a better creamy texture and richer flavor. Low-fat may result in a slightly more cakey brownie.

Can I substitute the egg?

Yes—use a flax egg or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for a vegan-friendly alternative.

What kind of flour works best?

All-purpose white flour gives a classic texture, but you can also try whole wheat flour or oat flour for a healthier twist.

What’s the texture like?

Expect a chewy, gooey, fudgy brownie—not dry or crumbly. The smooth cottage cheese makes a noticeable difference in creating that fudgy texture.

More Protein Boosted Recipes

fudgy protein brownies made with cottage cheese

Fudgy Protein Brownies Made with Cottage Cheese

Fudgy, high-protein brownies made with cottage cheese—rich, healthy, and easy to make with simple ingredients and deep chocolate flavor.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 252 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions
 

  •  Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper. 
  • Start by melting your chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. 
  • In a food processor, add melted chocolate chips, avocado oil, cottage cheese, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, egg, and cocoa powder. Process until smooth. 
  • In a separate large bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Combine blended wet ingredient mixture with dry ingredients. Mix well until smooth. 
  • Pour batter into lined baking dish. Top with additional chocolate chips, if desired. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool, cut, and enjoy! 

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 153mgPotassium: 243mgFiber: 3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 97IUCalcium: 81mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chocolate, cottage cheese, high protein, sugar free, treats
Tried this recipe?Mention @confessionofadietitian or tag #confessionofadietitian!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating