Cottage Cheese Brownies with Vanilla Bean

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Vanilla Bean
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Favorites

I always loved the idea of brownies that don't compromise on flavor but lean towards the healthier side. When I experimented with cottage cheese in this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised. The addition of vanilla bean elevates the traditional brownie experience, giving them a delightful aroma and richness. These brownies are moist and decadent, yet pack an unexpected protein punch. If you're like me and love indulgent treats that don't leave you feeling guilty, you’ll enjoy every bite of these cottage cheese brownies.

Created by

Lucy Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:55:34.578Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, my expectations were low. However, I was amazed at how the cottage cheese incorporated seamlessly into the batter, providing a rich moisture without weighing it down. The small bursts of vanilla bean throughout create an aroma that fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they even come out of the oven.

After perfecting the recipe, I found that baking them just long enough keeps them gooey in the center, while still allowing the edges to have that crisp brownie texture. I love serving them warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which makes the experience even more indulgent!

Why You Will Love These Brownies
Decadent yet guilt-free thanks to cottage cheese
Rich vanilla flavor from real vanilla beans
Perfect texture: fudgy on the inside with a slight crust outside

Ingredient Insights

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies, providing moisture and a good source of protein without heavy fats. It's crucial to use well-blended cottage cheese; lumpy cheese can result in an uneven texture. For a smoother finish, I recommend using a food processor to blend the cottage cheese until creamy. This will ensure each bite of brownie is velvety and soft, contributing to that sought-after fudgy texture.

The use of unsweetened cocoa powder is essential as it gives the brownies their rich chocolate flavor while allowing for better control over sweetness, especially given the sugar content from the cottage cheese. If you're a fan of dark chocolate, you can substitute half of the cocoa powder with dark chocolate or cocoa nibs for an intense flavor experience.

Baking Techniques

When mixing your ingredients, take care not to overmix after incorporating the dry ingredients. This can lead to dense brownies rather than the desired fudgy texture. You want to mix until just combined, allowing for a few lumps without leaving dry pockets of flour. I often fold in the flour using a spatula, which creates less aeration and keeps the brownies dense and moist.

Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and pan size. Start checking at the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. Remember that brownies continue to cook slightly while cooling in the pan, so it’s okay if they seem a little underbaked when you pull them out.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you begin making your brownies:

Brownie Ingredients

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

Once you've gathered all the ingredients, you're ready to start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Blend the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Pour into the Pan

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your brownies with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, try adding a handful of nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Storage Tips

To keep your brownies fresh, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature where they will maintain their moisture for up to three days. If you’re keeping them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week to prevent spoilage, but be aware the texture may change slightly due to the cold.

These brownies also freeze beautifully! After slicing, wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Serving Suggestions

For a luxurious treat, serve the cottage cheese brownies warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the chocolate flavor and add an enjoyable contrast to the sweetness.

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for an additional crunch and flavor. If you're looking to get a bit creative, you can fold in chocolate chips for extra gooeyness or even experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or orange, for a unique twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as alternatives.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.