Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Favorites

I discovered the perfect combination of flavors and textures with these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana. It's fascinating how the cottage cheese enhances the moisture and richness without overwhelming the chocolate. Balancing that with ripe bananas gives a natural sweetness, making these brownies not only a guilt-free treat but also a source of protein. I'm always amazed at how this simple recipe transforms into a decadent dessert that satisfies my sweet cravings while still feeling wholesome.

Created by

Lucy Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-12T08:13:35.703Z

When I first made these brownies, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese in a dessert. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how it contributed to the creaminess without being too dominant. The combination of ripe bananas and rich cocoa came together beautifully, creating a texture that is fudgy yet light.

One tip I learned is to blend the cottage cheese really well before mixing it in. This ensures a silky texture, eliminating any clumps and making the brownies even more delightful. Every bite is a perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and wholesome ingredients that stays satisfying without the guilt.

Why You'll Love These Brownies
A healthier twist on traditional brownies with a protein boost from cottage cheese
Natural sweetness from ripe bananas enhances the rich chocolate flavor
Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the extra calories

Understanding Ingredient Roles

Each component in these Cottage Cheese Brownies contributes to a unique flavor and texture profile. The cottage cheese adds moisture and creaminess while boosting the protein content, helping these brownies feel indulgent yet nutritious. On the other hand, ripe bananas not only provide natural sweetness but also bind the mixture together, producing a fudgy texture that is often missing in traditional brownies. When combined, these ingredients result in a dessert that feels satisfying without the heaviness.

Using whole wheat flour instead of refined flour offers additional fiber, making these brownies more wholesome. This swap can also give you a slight nutty flavor, enhancing the overall depth of the chocolate. If you're looking to avoid gluten, you could substitute with almond or oat flour, just be mindful that the texture may vary slightly, potentially resulting in a more tender brownie.

Baking Techniques for Better Brownies

Baking times can vary based on your oven's calibration and the dish you use; a glass baking pan could bake faster than metal. To ensure your brownies are perfectly cooked, start checking 2-3 minutes before the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out with wet batter, they need more time; if it's clean with a few moist crumbs, they are good to go. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so keep a close eye on them as they approach the end of their bake.

Cooling is another critical step that can impact the final texture. Allowing the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes helps them set, making it easier to cut clean squares. For gooey brownies, try not to let them cool completely before slicing; a warm brownie will have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that enhances the chocolate experience.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Make sure to have these ingredients ready for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana:

Preheat and Prepare

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Then, mix in the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix these ingredients well.

Combine and Bake

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

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

Once cooled, enjoy these delightful brownies with friends or as a sweet treat for yourself!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips to the batter before baking. This enhances the texture and flavor, giving your brownies a delightful crunch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. To extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you prefer, individual portions can be frozen—simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight when you're ready to enjoy a treat.

For optimal enjoyment, consider warming a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. This quick reheating brings back the fudgy texture and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Creative Variations

If you're looking to add a twist to the classic recipe, consider integrating chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for added crunch. A sprinkle of sea salt on top right after baking can also elevate the chocolate flavor significantly. Another delightful variation is to mix in chocolate chips or chunks; this will create pockets of molten chocolate throughout the brownies.

For those who enjoy different flavors, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to amplify the chocolate taste or a dash of cinnamon for warmth. You can also replace half the cocoa powder with a nut or seed butter for a rich, decadent flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup as alternatives to honey.

→ How do I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for the cottage cheese?

You can use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative made from nuts or tofu.