Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar or stevia; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup shredded coconut (toasted for topping)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut because they offer a unique twist on traditional brownies. The addition of cottage cheese not only adds protein but also creates a moist texture that makes these brownies incredibly rich. The subtle hint of coconut gives them an extra layer of flavor, ideal for satisfying my sweet tooth without the guilt. I often find myself craving these brownies when I'm looking for a treat that feels indulgent yet nutritious. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked!

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:01:14.025Z

When I first combined cottage cheese with brownies, I was skeptical, but the results blew me away! The creaminess from the cottage cheese interacts perfectly with the chocolate, making each bite feel decadent. I've experimented with different sweeteners and flours, but keeping it simple is often the best approach. Just make sure to blend the cottage cheese well to achieve a smooth batter; it makes all the difference.

Additionally, I recommend letting the brownies cool completely before slicing them. This helps them set and leads to cleaner cuts. When topped with a sprinkle of toasted coconut, these brownies become a delightful treat that everyone, even the skeptics, will love. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Moist and rich texture from cottage cheese
A delightful crunch from toasted coconut
Perfect balance of indulgent and healthier ingredients

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a critical role in these brownies, offering a moist and tender texture that’s hard to achieve with traditional brownie recipes. The protein-rich nature of cottage cheese not only adds nutritional benefits but also helps create a richer mouthfeel. When you blend it well into the wet ingredients, it contributes to a smooth batter that bakes beautifully, ensuring your brownies won't turn out dry or crumbly. I recommend using full-fat cottage cheese for the best results, as it enhances the creaminess.

Another important aspect is how cottage cheese interacts with the other ingredients. As you combine it with the melted butter and sugar, it creates a creamy base that balances out the dry elements, providing a velvety texture. It's key to blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth; a few lumps can affect the final product, making the brownies less appealing. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute cottage cheese with a smooth dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream.

Toasting Coconut for Flavor

Toasting the shredded coconut adds a delightful crunch and amplifies its natural sweetness, transforming the overall flavor profile of these brownies. I recommend spreading the coconut flakes evenly on a baking sheet and placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on it as it can go from golden to burned in a matter of seconds. The coconut should be lightly golden and fragrant when done, enhancing the rich brownie texture.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a twist, consider using flavored coconut, such as chocolate or vanilla, to layer more fun flavors. You could also experiment with unsweetened versus sweetened coconut, depending on your preference and diet. Just remember, if using sweetened coconut, you may want to adjust the sugar in the brownie batter to keep the overall sweetness in check.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar or stevia
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup shredded coconut (toasted for topping)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined.

Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Top with toasted coconut before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor kick, add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter. This enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully!

Storage Tips

To keep your Cottage Cheese Brownies fresh, allow them to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Cut the brownies into squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They should maintain their quality for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Reheating them slightly can bring the fudgy texture back to life, making them feel just baked. This is a great way to indulge when cravings strike without needing to make a fresh batch.

Variations to Try

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can serve as a versatile base for various flavors and ingredients. Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor complexity. If you’re a fan of spices, try incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for a more dynamic taste. Mixing in a spoonful of peanut or almond butter can also introduce a delicious nutty profile.

For a tropical twist, you could add diced pineapple or mashed bananas into the batter, adjusting the sugar to balance the sweetness. Alternatively, a layer of cream cheese frosting on top after baking adds a luscious finish that beautifully complements the rich brownie base. By experimenting with these variations, you can personalize them to suit your taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works perfectly in this recipe.

→ How do I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze the brownies for up to three months. Just ensure they are completely cooled and wrapped tightly.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

You can make these gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.