Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein
Delicious High Protein Cottage Cheese Brownies
Table of Contents
When you think of brownies, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the rich, fudgy texture, the melty chocolate bits, or perhaps the indulgent sweetness? Now, imagine all of those things wrapped up in Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein! These delightful squares pack a punch of protein while still providing that cozy, comforting bite we all crave. The secret? Cottage cheese! It gives these brownies a unique creaminess and helps keep them moist, ensuring every mouthful is a luscious experience.
I remember the first time I decided to make brownies with cottage cheese. Skeptical but excited, I blended the cottage cheese into the batter, holding my breath as I waited for the oven to work its magic. The aroma filled my kitchen, warm and inviting, and as they cooled, the adorable aroma tempted me beyond reason. These brownies turned out not just satisfying, but downright delicious! You won’t believe how good they are, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe out for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking means you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and a hint of sweetness creates a rich brownie flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These brownies have a gorgeous texture that looks as good as they taste, making them perfect for sharing.
- Flexible Serving: Whether it’s dessert, a snack, or a post-workout treat, these brownies fit right in anytime.
- Diet-Friendly Options: They offer a high-protein boost without sacrificing taste, making them a great fit for health-conscious folks!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese: I recommend using Good Culture for a thicker texture. Other brands may work, but a thicker cottage cheese helps achieve a denser brownie.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and contribute to the fudgy texture. Room temperature eggs work best.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor that enhances the sweetness without overpowering it.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: This natural sweetener brings a rich flavor while ensuring the brownies stay moist.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides a balanced sweetness alongside the maple syrup. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- 2/3 cup almond flour: King Arthur brand is my favorite for a fine crumb, but you can use other nut flours if needed. Just keep in mind that regular flour won’t yield the same texture.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Choose high-quality cocoa powder for rich flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can also add a lovely depth.
- 1/4 tsp baking soda: This helps the brownies rise slightly, keeping them light and not dense.
- 1 pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips: I love Ghirardelli 60% cacao for its perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Feel free to adjust based on preference.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein
Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 325°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish using butter or cooking spray. This lower temperature ensures the brownie batter cooks evenly, preventing the edges from drying out while the center sets beautifully.
Blend the Wet Ingredients: In a blender, combine 3/4 cup cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth with no lumps. This step is crucial because it breaks down the cottage cheese curds into a silky batter, making your brownies tender and cake-like.
Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Whisking helps incorporate air and evenly distribute the baking soda, reducing any chance of leaving behind alkaline flavor pockets.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the blended wet mixture from the blender into the dry ingredient bowl. Gently mix with a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Almond flour-based batters can become tough if mixed too long, so as soon as you don’t see streaks of dry flour, stop.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold 1/3 cup Ghirardelli chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring even distribution. If you want to make your brownies extra special, reserve a few chocolate chips to press on the top before baking!
Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in the oven for 18-22 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. It’s crucial not to overbake; these brownies are meant to be fudgy and rich!
Cool and Slice: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Cut into 9 or 12 squares for perfect serving sizes. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool to room temperature, making for delectable bites.
Storing & Reheating
To store your brownies at room temperature, keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for about a week. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm, revitalizing their fudgy interior!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Watch the baking time closely; overbaking can lead to dry brownies. The toothpick test is your best friend here!
- Don’t skip blending the cottage cheese until smooth—graininess can affect your final texture.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter if you enjoy a hint of coffee.
- Almond flour can clump; ensure it’s well mixed with dry ingredients for even brownies.
- Cool the brownies at room temperature before slicing for cleaner edges!
These Cottage Cheese Brownies are a delightful treat that proves indulgence doesn’t have to come with guilt. With their luscious fudgy texture, high protein content, and fantastic flavor, they’ll soon become a go-to for any occasion. Experiment with nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate to make them your own. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a deliciously satisfying bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of regular?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese will still provide the moisture and texture needed for the brownies. Just make sure to blend it until smooth for the best results.
What can I substitute for almond flour?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use oat flour or even finely ground walnuts. Keep in mind that using regular flour may alter the texture and flavor.
Can these brownies be made vegan?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based sweetener in place of maple syrup and sugar. Just remember this will adjust the flavor slightly!
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are ready when the top is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can lead to dryness, so trust that toothpick!
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📖 Recipe Card
Cottage Cheese Brownies Delicious High Protein
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: BROWNIES & BARS
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cottage Cheese Brownies are not only delicious but also packed with protein! Enjoy a rich chocolate flavor and a moist texture, made simply with cottage cheese, almond flour, and chocolate chips. Perfect as a healthy dessert or a sweet treat any time of the day!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese (i use good culture for a thicker texture)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup almond flour (i always use king arthur for a finer crumb)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (i prefer ghirardelli 60% cacao)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Blend the cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and sugar in a blender on high for 60-90 seconds until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until the top is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
For a thicker texture, use high-quality cottage cheese.
Add nuts for an extra crunch if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
