Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 9 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 ripe banana, mashed; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Ideas

I absolutely love making Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash because they combine the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with a unique twist. The creaminess of cottage cheese and the natural sweetness from ripe bananas create a tasty treat that’s surprisingly healthy. I appreciate how easy these brownies are to whip up—most of the ingredients are pantry staples! Whether for a quick snack or a dessert for friends, these brownies never fail to impress.

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:59:34.900Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in brownies, I was blown away by how moist and flavorful they turned out! The cottage cheese adds a delightful creaminess that really elevates the texture. I learned to blend the cottage cheese well to avoid lumps, making it a seamless part of the batter—this is key to achieving that rich brownie experience.

The banana mash not only sweetens the brownies naturally, but it also gives them a wonderful aroma and a subtle fruity flavor. If you're a fan of chocolate and looking for a healthier alternative, these brownies are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Decadent yet healthy alternative to regular brownies
The balance of chocolate and banana flavors
Rich in protein from cottage cheese, perfect for satisfying cravings

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredient of these brownies is cottage cheese, which surprisingly enhances the texture, making them moist and fudgy. The use of low-fat cottage cheese can significantly reduce the overall calorie count, making this a guilt-free treat. It also adds a velvety richness while boosting the protein content, which is essential for keeping you full longer. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, silken tofu can be used to replicate the creamy texture.

The ripe banana serves not only as a natural sweetener but also adds a subtle banana flavor that perfectly complements the cocoa. It's crucial to use a fully ripe banana, as this will ensure the best sweetness and flavor outcome. You can substitute agave syrup or coconut sugar for honey or maple syrup if you're vegan or want to reduce sugar intake without sacrificing taste.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

Achieving the ideal brownie texture involves some key steps. When blending the wet ingredients, ensure that the mixture is completely smooth to avoid lumps that could disrupt the brownies’ texture. A high-powered blender or food processor is recommended to evenly combine the cottage cheese and banana, giving the batter a glossy appearance that indicates readiness for mixing with the dry ingredients.

To get the best results, carefully monitor the baking time. Ovens can vary greatly, so it's best to check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the 25-minute mark. The brownies should have set edges and a slightly soft center; inserting a toothpick should yield a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Allowing the brownies to cool completely is essential to achieving clean slices, as warm brownies tend to crumble easily.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 ripe banana, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

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

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious brownies:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Blend Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, mashed banana, honey, apple sauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

Bake

Spread the brownie mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Let the brownies cool for at least 10 minutes for better slicing.

Pro Tips

Using a ripe banana not only adds sweetness but also enhances the banana flavor. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips on top before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead

These brownies can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or a busy week ahead. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Simply cut the brownies into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.

For a twist on serving, warm up individual brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enhance their fudginess. This method brings a whole new level to the texture, reminiscent of freshly baked brownies.

Variations and Serving Ideas

Feel free to customize these brownies by adding ingredients such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits into the batter before baking. For extra decadence, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate on top once they've cooled, or serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

If you're looking to switch up the classic flavor, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor, or incorporate a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy, spiced touch. These simple variations can elevate the brownies and offer a fresh taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese, but the texture may differ slightly.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, if you use almond flour, these brownies are naturally gluten-free.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store completely cooled brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.