Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love turning classic desserts into healthier alternatives, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut are one of my favorites! Using cottage cheese not only adds a protein boost but also creates an incredibly moist texture. The coconut adds a delightful chewiness and unique flavor that makes these brownies stand out. Perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth without the guilt, I always reach for this recipe when I want a wholesome treat that still feels indulgent.

Created by

Camilla Rhodes

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:37:14.688Z

When I first attempted this recipe, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese in brownies. However, after a few trials, I discovered that blending cottage cheese into the batter not only kept the brownies moist but also added a rich creaminess that complemented the cocoa perfectly. The first bite was a revelation!

Tips I learned along the way include making sure to blend the cottage cheese until smooth. This helps avoid any curdled texture in the final product, ensuring a rich and satisfying brownie experience. I also find that letting them cool completely before cutting makes a huge difference in firmness.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor balanced with coconut's tropical sweetness
High in protein while still satisfying your dessert cravings
Delightfully chewy texture that pairs perfectly with your favorite beverage

      

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese serves a dual purpose in these brownies: it adds moisture and elevates the protein content significantly compared to traditional brownie recipes. When blended until smooth, it incorporates seamlessly into the batter, preventing any curds from remaining which could lead to an undesirable texture. The protein not only contributes to the nutritional profile but also helps create a lighter, airy structure that balances well with the denser cocoa flavor.

Another benefit of using cottage cheese is its ability to replace fat in this recipe. Generally, brownies rely on butter or oil for richness, but the cottage cheese allows you to reduce those quantities. This means you can enjoy a delicious treat without the heaviness of traditional brownies, making them a fantastic option for a guilt-free dessert or snack.

Choosing and Preparing Your Ingredients

Selecting high-quality cocoa powder can dramatically affect the outcome of your brownies. Opt for unsweetened, dark cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with coconut's natural sweetness. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using a flavored cocoa powder, such as Dutch-processed, to bring a unique aspect to your brownies. Ensure to sift the cocoa powder before mixing to avoid clumps and promote a uniform batter.

Coconut oil contributes to the brownies’ moistness while imparting a subtle hint of coconut flavor. However, if you prefer a neutral taste, feel free to substitute with vegetable or canola oil. Remember to melt the coconut oil before adding it, as this ensures it mixes evenly into the wet ingredients without solidifying, which could otherwise affect the batter's consistency.

Serving and Storing Your Brownies

These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They pair beautifully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a more tropical experience, consider drizzling some warm coconut cream on top just before serving. You can also sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top to enhance both appearance and flavor.

If you’re not consuming the brownies right away, they store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the brownies for up to three months; simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds before enjoying. This not only preserves their freshness but also makes for an easy grab-and-go snack!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your own delicious brownie batch:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup shredded coconut
Pinch of salt

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your brownies:

Preheat the oven

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

Mix wet ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt.

Combine wet and dry mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender brownie.

Bake the brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, cut into squares and enjoy!

Enjoy your freshly baked brownies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional shredded coconut on top before baking for a beautiful finish.

Troubleshooting Brownie Consistency

If you find your brownies are too dry, it could be due to overbaking. To achieve the perfect brownie texture, aim for a baking time between 25 to 30 minutes, and check for doneness with a toothpick. A few moist crumbs should cling to the toothpick when inserted in the center. Conversely, if they’re too wet in the middle, extend the baking time in 2-3 minute increments. Always keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Another common issue is uneven texture, which can occur from not blending the cottage cheese thoroughly. Make sure to blend until completely smooth; any lumps can disrupt the batter's consistency. If you notice this happens often, consider using a food processor to ensure the cottage cheese is perfectly creamy before adding other wet ingredients.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your Cottage Cheese Brownies with various mix-ins. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can add a satisfying crunch. Alternatively, swirling in a layer of almond or peanut butter on top of the batter before baking can enhance flavor and introduce richness. For a bit of brightness, add zests of orange or lemon to the batter for a refreshing twist.

If you want to experiment with sweeteners, the honey can be swapped out for agave nectar or brown sugar, depending on your preference. Each option can slightly alter the flavor profile and sweetness level of your brownies, so taste-testing is key to find your favorite combination!

Scaling This Recipe Up or Down

If you're looking to make a larger batch for a party or event, this recipe can be easily doubled. Just use a 13x9 inch baking dish to accommodate the increased volume, and adjust the baking time by checking for doneness around 30-35 minutes. Many find that doubling the recipe yields the same delicious results as the original, but it’s always wise to monitor closely as oven variations exist.

For smaller portions, you can halve the recipe and bake in a smaller pan, such as an 8x8 inch dish. This maintains the texture and flavor while providing a perfect amount for a smaller gathering or family treat. Just keep an eye on the baking time, reducing it slightly to around 20-22 minutes, making sure to check for that signature moist crumb test.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with another ingredient?

You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

→ How should I store the 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?

Yes! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a hint of espresso powder to enhance the brownie flavor.