Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup chopped walnuts

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Ideas

I absolutely love making Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts for a cozy afternoon treat. The unique twist of using cottage cheese gives these brownies an incredible moistness while adding a subtle flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of chocolate. It's a delightful way to incorporate a bit of protein into a sweet dessert, making me feel a bit less guilty about indulging. I always keep some walnuts on hand to sprinkle in for that crunchy texture that complements the softness of the brownies beautifully.

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:13:34.592Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was pleasantly surprised by how scrumptious they turned out. Blending smooth cottage cheese into the batter not only adds moisture but also balances out the sweetness of the chocolate. I've experimented with different ratios, and I've found that a 1:1 ratio of cottage cheese to butter gives the brownies the best texture.

I recommend using a high-quality cocoa powder for a rich taste without compromising the nutritional value. The addition of walnuts not only enhances flavor but also introduces a satisfying crunch, elevating the entire dessert experience!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor enhanced by creamy cottage cheese
Nutty crunch from walnuts for added texture
A guilt-free treat with a protein boost

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Using cottage cheese in brownies might sound unconventional, but it plays a crucial role in achieving that ultimate moist texture. Since cottage cheese is high in moisture, it helps prevent the brownies from becoming overly dense or dry. When blended smoothly, it integrates into the batter, contributing to a rich, creamy consistency that complements the chocolate beautifully. I always recommend opting for full-fat cottage cheese to enhance the flavor and texture even further.

In addition to its moisture content, cottage cheese brings a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness of the sugar and chocolate. It’s fascinating how this ingredient can elevate your brownies by offering a nuanced depth of flavor. If you're looking to add an extra nutritional punch, you can also choose low-fat cottage cheese; just ensure it’s blended until smooth to avoid any curds in your final batter.

Perfecting the Brownie Texture

Achieving the perfect brownie texture involves a delicate balance between wet and dry ingredients. One effective technique is to not overmix the batter once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet ones. Mixing just until everything is combined ensures your brownies remain fudgy and tender. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in a cakey texture rather than the rich density we're after. I always use a rubber spatula for this step, as it allows me to gently fold the mixture together.

Another secret to fudgy brownies is underbaking them slightly. While the typical baking time is around 25 minutes, I recommend checking a few minutes earlier. Look for a slight jiggle in the center when you shake the pan gently, as the brownies will continue cooking from residual heat after being removed from the oven. This technique prevents them from becoming too firm and helps maintain that desired gooeyness in the middle.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start making your Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts.

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chopped walnuts

Make sure all ingredients are well-measured and prepped before starting.

Steps

Follow these steps to create your delicious brownies.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Fold in Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

Let the brownies cool completely for the best slicing experience.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.

Walnut Variations

While walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to these brownies, feel free to experiment with other mix-ins if you prefer. Pecans can be used for a sweeter, buttery taste, or even dark chocolate chips to intensify the chocolate flavor. A mix of different nuts can also create a delightful texture and flavor profile. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, consider incorporating dried fruit like cherries or cranberries for added sweetness and chewiness.

When adding nuts, ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter after folding them in. This guarantees that every bite has a bit of crunch. I often lightly toast the walnuts beforehand; this enhances their flavor and adds a slight crispness that contrasts beautifully with the soft brownie.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, these brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they will last for about a week. To freeze, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept this way for about three months. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or warm them up briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.

For serving, I love to dust my brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle them with a rich chocolate ganache to take them to the next level. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. You can also serve them warm straight from the oven with melted chocolate chips on top for an indulgent twist!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! They can be frozen for up to three months.

→ What can I substitute for walnuts?

You can use pecans or even chocolate chips if you prefer.