Ingredients
1 ½ cups cottage cheese
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup maple syrup (or honey)
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
2. In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Pour the blended wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. If using, fold in chocolate chips, reserving a few for the top if desired.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is essential for clean slices.
9. Once cool, lift out using parchment overhang, slice into 16 squares, and serve.
Notes
For the best texture, blend cottage cheese until completely smooth. Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze individual brownies well-wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat from fridge or freezer in microwave for 10-30 seconds, or enjoy cold. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For a protein boost, add 1-2 tablespoons of unflavored or chocolate protein powder to dry ingredients, adding a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free Option
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg