Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; 1/2 cup whipped cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was skeptical. How could something so simple create a dessert that's rich and indulgent? However, after experimenting, I discovered that the cottage cheese adds a creamy texture while keeping the brownies moist. Paired with a luscious strawberry cream, this recipe is not only a healthier alternative but also elevates the classic brownie into something uniquely delicious. Trust me, you won’t miss the traditional ingredients!

Created by

Rhiannon Sutherland

Last updated on 2026-01-14T06:25:34.486Z

I love experimenting with ingredients, and when I stumbled upon the idea of using cottage cheese in brownies, I was intrigued. The result was surprisingly delightful! Not only did it give the brownies a wonderful creaminess, but it also provided a protein punch. I learned that blending the cottage cheese until smooth is key; it ensures there are no lumps and the brownies are perfectly consistent.

Making the strawberry cream was the cherry on top—literally! Combining fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and cream results in a vibrant topping that brightens up the rich brownies. This combination has quickly become a favorite in my household, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

        Why You Will Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cottage cheese
Decadent strawberry cream adds a refreshing twist
Healthier alternative without compromising on taste

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a game changer in these brownies. Unlike traditional fat sources like butter, it offers a creamy texture while drastically reducing the fat content. This ingredient also contributes protein, making the brownies a more balanced indulgence. When blended, cottage cheese breaks down to provide moisture and richness, ensuring your brownies are soft and fudgy without the heaviness of excessive sugar or fat.

One tip I’ve found useful when using cottage cheese is to use a smooth, rich variety. If the texture is grainy, the brownies may not achieve that silky consistency that complements the chocolate. If you’re unsure about the texture, consider blending the cottage cheese separately before adding it to the batter to create an airier mixture.

Perfecting the Strawberry Cream

The strawberry cream is not just a topping, but a bright complement to the cocoa-rich brownies. Fresh strawberries, when mixed with whipped cream, create a luscious, airy texture that balances the dense, fudgy brownies. You can use frozen strawberries if they’re out of season; just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could thin the cream.

To achieve the perfect consistency for the cream, whip the cream until it forms soft peaks before mixing in the strawberries. This will ensure it holds its shape when served on top of the brownies. Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar, but I recommend starting with a smaller amount to allow the strawberry flavor to shine through.

Serving and Storing Your Brownies

These brownies can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or stored for later indulgence. Once cooled, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. They can last up to three months when frozen, making them a convenient treat for unexpected guests.

When serving, I recommend plating the brownies with a generous dollop of strawberry cream on top, perhaps garnished with a fresh strawberry slice or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra touch of indulgence. For a fun twist, consider adding crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor contrast.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delightful brownies:

Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Strawberry Cream

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup whipped cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure everything is measured accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, cocoa powder, flour, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder. Blend until smooth and well combined.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. Spread evenly and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool in the pan.

Prepare the Strawberry Cream

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.

Serve

Once the brownies are cool, cut them into squares and top each piece with a dollop of strawberry cream. Enjoy your delightful treat!

Enjoy these brownies warm or chilled; they're fantastic either way!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the brownie batter. You can also substitute blueberries for strawberries in the cream for a different twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make these brownies dairy-free, consider substituting the cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt or a thick nut-based cream. The key is to maintain a similar rich texture, so ensure that your alternative is void of a strong flavor that could overpower the chocolate. You might also find dairy-free whipped toppings ideal for the cream.

For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be cautious with flour blend ratios, as some are more absorbent than others. Starting with a 1:1 replacement ratio should work well, but you may need to adjust based on the blend you use.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your brownies come out too dry, this could be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on the texture during baking, and remember that they will continue to cook slightly after removing them from the oven. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs rather than clean for ideal fudgy brownies.

On the other hand, if the brownies are too gooey, it may be due to underbaking or the moisture content of the cottage cheese. Ensure you blend the batter thoroughly, and if you find them too wet, consider adjusting the baking time incrementally in future batches until you achieve your desired consistency.

Variations to Try

For a fun variation, try adding a swirl of peanut butter or almond butter to the brownie batter before baking. This can enhance the flavor profile and add a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. Just dollop it on top of the batter and use a knife to create swirls before baking.

You might also experiment with different berry toppings in the cream. Raspberries or blueberries can be a delightful swap, each bringing their own unique taste and color. Mix and match your favorite fruits to find the perfect pairing that excites your palate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works perfectly in this recipe without compromising texture or flavor.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What alternative sweeteners can I use?

You can substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup, but adjust the measurements accordingly.