Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies

These Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies are rich and chocolatey, making them the perfect high-protein snack for satisfying your sweet tooth without derailing your nutrition goals. Each brownie packs 7 grams of protein while staying under 100 calories, creating a guilt-free treat that feels indulgent.

I discovered this recipe during my fitness journey when I was desperately craving something chocolate but didn't want to compromise my protein goals. These brownies quickly became my go-to post workout treat, and even my chocolate loving husband can't tell they're healthy.

Ingredients

• Cottage cheese: Creates the moist texture while adding protein without affecting flavor
• Protein powder: Boosts nutrition choose chocolate for extra richness or vanilla for a milder flavor
• Eggs: Provide structure and additional protein select fresh, room temperature eggs for best results
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor without added sugar look for Dutch processed for deeper color
• Coconut oil: Adds moisture and healthy fats choose unrefined for subtle coconut notes or refined for neutral flavor
• Coconut flour: Absorbs moisture and creates perfect texture without traditional flour
• Sweetener of choice: Allows customization use monk fruit for no aftertaste or stevia for availability
• Vanilla extract: Enhances chocolate flavor choose pure extract not imitation for best results
• Baking powder: Provides the perfect rise and lighter texture make sure it's fresh for proper leavening
• Chocolate chips: Add pockets of melty goodness opt for sugar free or dark chocolate options to keep macros in check

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Equipment:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This preparation ensures your brownies won't stick and will have perfectly clean edges when cut.

Blend Cottage Cheese:

Add the cottage cheese to your blender or food processor and process until completely smooth and creamy. Take your time with this step, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. The smoother your cottage cheese, the more velvety your final brownies will be.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

Add the room temperature eggs, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the blended cottage cheese. Blend again until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. Using room temperature eggs prevents the coconut oil from solidifying when mixed together.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Add the protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut flour, sweetener, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Blend until you have a thick, uniform batter. The batter will be quite thick, which is exactly what you want for fudgy brownies.

Prepare For Baking:

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles trapped in the thick batter.

Add Chocolate Topping:

Sprinkle the chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate evenly over the top of the batter. The chips will partially sink into the batter during baking, creating little pockets of melted chocolate throughout.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes. You want the top to look set and feel firm to the touch, but not overbaked. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Cool Completely:

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This cooling time is crucial for the perfect texture as the brownies will continue to set as they cool.

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The cottage cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I was skeptical the first time I made these, imagining I would taste cheese in my chocolate dessert. Instead, it creates the most incredible moist texture while completely disappearing flavor wise. Now I keep cottage cheese on hand specifically for baking these brownies whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

Storage Instructions

These protein brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment actually improves their fudgy texture over time, making them perfect for meal prep. I find they taste even better on day two after the flavors have had time to meld together fully.

Freezing Option

For longer storage, these brownies freeze exceptionally well. Cut them into individual squares, wrap each in parchment paper, and store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. When a chocolate craving hits, simply thaw a brownie at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds for an instant protein packed treat.

Substitution Ideas

The beauty of these brownies lies in their flexibility. If you prefer to avoid coconut products, you can substitute the coconut oil with melted butter or avocado oil, and the coconut flour with almond flour though you would need to use about three times as much almond flour due to absorption differences. For a different flavor profile, try using different protein powder flavors like cookies and cream or peanut butter.

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Serving Suggestions

While these brownies are delicious on their own, try warming one slightly and topping with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein and a creamy contrast. For special occasions, serve with a scoop of sugar free ice cream or a drizzle of natural nut butter. These brownies also pair beautifully with coffee or a glass of almond milk for a satisfying afternoon treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How much protein is in each brownie?

Each brownie contains 7 grams of protein, making them a high-protein snack or dessert option.

→ Can I use a different protein powder?

Yes, you can use your favorite protein powder flavor to customize the taste of the brownies.

→ Are these brownies sugar-free?

Yes, these brownies are sugar-free. You can use your preferred sweetener for the recipe.

→ What type of chocolate can I use for topping?

You can use chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for topping the brownies.

→ How do I ensure the brownies are cooked perfectly?

Bake the brownies for 20-22 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

→ Can I replace coconut oil with another oil?

Yes, you can replace coconut oil with a similar neutral-tasting oil like avocado or vegetable oil.