Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies 🍫💪
Fudgy, chocolatey, and packed with protein—these brownies taste like dessert but work like fuel.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that satisfies your chocolate cravings without derailing your wellness goals, these Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies are the answer. Made with wholesome ingredients and no refined flour, they’re high in protein, low in sugar (if using a sugar substitute), and shockingly rich and moist.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or just want a better-for-you indulgence, these brownies prove you can have both flavor and nutrition in every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein thanks to cottage cheese and eggs
- Naturally sweetened with honey or your favorite sugar substitute
- Made with simple pantry staples—no protein powders needed
- Kid-friendly and lunchbox-approved
- Can be customized with mix-ins like nuts or dark chocolate chips
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or fat-free)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup honey (or sugar substitute like Stevia)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chocolate chips or chopped nuts for texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cottage cheese
- Cocoa powder
- Honey or sweetener
- Applesauce
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
Blend with a hand mixer or blender until smooth and creamy. This helps break down the cottage cheese for the best texture.
3️⃣ Add Optional Mix-ins
Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using. They add extra indulgence and crunch!
4️⃣ Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted (not through the Nutella if using) comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
5️⃣ Cool & Slice
Let brownies cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing into squares.
Enjoy warm or refrigerate for a denser, fudgier texture!
Tips for Success
- Blend the cottage cheese well for a smooth batter—no lumps!
- Don’t overbake: brownies should still be soft in the center when pulled from the oven.
- Add dark chocolate chunks or walnuts for texture and antioxidants.
- Let them chill for best slicing and flavor development.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These brownies are perfect on their own but also pair beautifully with:
- A tall glass of milk or a cup of black coffee
- Blueberry Lemonade for a fruity contrast
- Served alongside Peanut Butter Brownies for a brownie duo platter
- Add to a meal-prep spread with No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- Pair with 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies for a healthy dessert tray
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in single layers with parchment in between for up to 2 months.
- Meal Prep Tip: Slice into 9 or 12 squares and pack individually for grab-and-go snacks.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- Brownie Batter Dip
- 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Blueberry Lemonade
Final Thoughts
These Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies are soft, fudgy, and full of flavor—with none of the guilt. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or just craving something sweet without the sugar crash, these brownies deliver on taste andmacros.
Let me know if you try them—and don’t forget to subscribe to ChefManiac for more smart sweets and easy high-protein recipes.
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