These Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies are a rich and chocolatey treat that combines the best of indulgence and nutrition. With a base of cottage cheese and protein powder, these brownies are flourless, low in carbs, and packed with protein—making them the perfect choice for anyone seeking a guilt-free dessert that supports their fitness goals. Whether you're craving something sweet or need a post-workout snack, these brownies are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes these brownies so special? First, they’re packed with protein, which helps fuel your muscles and keeps you feeling satisfied for longer. The cottage cheese creates a creamy texture that perfectly complements the rich, cocoa flavor. You won’t believe how a few simple ingredients can turn into a moist, indulgent treat that fits your fitness goals. Plus, they’re flourless and gluten-free, making them a great option for anyone following specific dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup protein powder (use your favorite flavor)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ¾ cup sweetener (your preferred type)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well. Set aside.
Blend the Cottage Cheese:
- Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- To the blended cottage cheese, add eggs, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Blend or process until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
- Add protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut flour, sweetener, and baking powder to the blender with the wet ingredients. Blend until a smooth batter forms, scraping down the sides as necessary.
Prepare the Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Add Chocolate Chips:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate evenly over the top of the batter.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes, or until the top is set and firm to the touch.
- A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Enjoy your protein-packed treat!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 16 brownies
Storage/Reheating
To store your Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of protein powder?
Yes, you can use any flavor of protein powder you prefer. Vanilla, chocolate, or even peanut butter flavor would work wonderfully!
Can I substitute cottage cheese with something else?
If you don’t have cottage cheese, you can try Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as alternatives. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, these brownies are naturally gluten-free since they don’t contain any wheat flour.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely! You can use any sweetener of your choice, whether it's stevia, monk fruit, or a sugar substitute like erythritol.
Can I make these brownies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) or a chia egg. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still turn out delicious.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Coconut flour is essential in this recipe for texture, so it’s best not to substitute it with another flour. However, if you don’t have coconut flour, you can experiment with almond flour, though it may change the consistency of the batter.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies are done when the top is set and firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
How do I make these brownies even more indulgent?
For extra richness, you can add a drizzle of peanut butter or melted chocolate on top after baking. You could also add some nuts like walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch!
Can I add more protein powder?
Yes, you can increase the amount of protein powder slightly if you want, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture. Start with an additional ¼ cup and see how the batter feels.
How can I make these brownies more moist?
If you find the brownies too dry, consider adding an extra tablespoon of coconut oil or a little bit of milk (dairy or non-dairy) to the batter to increase moisture.
Conclusion
These Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies are a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthy, protein-packed dessert. They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for fitness enthusiasts or anyone who wants a satisfying snack without the guilt. Try them out for your next post-workout treat or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up!
Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies are a healthy, flourless dessert that delivers a rich chocolate flavor while packing a protein punch. Perfect for anyone looking for a guilt-free treat, they combine cottage cheese and protein powder to create a moist, satisfying, and low-carb brownie. Ideal for fitness enthusiasts, post-workout snacking, or anyone seeking a healthier dessert option.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup protein powder (your favorite flavor)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ¾ cup sweetener (your choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line or grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- Blend cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- Add eggs, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the cottage cheese and blend until well combined.
- Add protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut flour, sweetener, and baking powder to the mixture, blending until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate on top.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, until the top is firm and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
- Can be made gluten-free and dairy-free by swapping ingredients where needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
