Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Pieces

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Pieces
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup melted butter; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup diced fresh strawberries

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Favorites

I love creating new dessert recipes, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Pieces have quickly become a favorite in my home. The idea of using cottage cheese in brownies intrigued me—it adds a rich texture without all the extra fat. Each bite is a delightful combination of fudgy chocolate and juicy strawberries that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both casual and special occasions.

Created by

Isobel Fairfax

Last updated on 2026-01-11T15:29:35.376Z

When I first decided to make these brownies, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese in a dessert. But the risk paid off handsomely! Mixing in the cottage cheese not only lightens the batter but also provides a sturdy texture that complements the gooey chocolate. I found that blending the cottage cheese until smooth was key to achieving that perfect brownie consistency, ensuring none of the cheese's texture distracted from the chocolate flavor.

In experimenting with flavors, I discovered that adding fresh strawberries enhances the overall sweetness and adds a beautiful contrast to the rich cocoa. I recommend using ripe, juicy strawberries for the best results. The way they burst in your mouth against the hearty chocolate creates a flavor explosion that’s nothing short of divine!

        Why You Will Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor complemented by fruity strawberry bursts
Unique texture from creamy cottage cheese without added fats
Simple to prepare, making it an ideal treat for any occasion

      

The Power of Cottage Cheese

Incorporating cottage cheese into your brownies not only enhances their nutritional profile but also introduces a delightful creaminess that sets these treats apart. The moisture from the cottage cheese prevents the brownies from drying out during baking, ensuring that each bite remains fudgy. This ingredient also contributes to the protein content, making your dessert feel a bit more wholesome without compromising on flavor or texture.

When blending the cottage cheese with the wet ingredients, be sure to achieve a completely smooth consistency. I recommend a high-speed blender or food processor for this task. If you notice any lumps, your brownies may develop an unexpected texture during baking, so take the extra minute to blend thoroughly.

Perfecting the Baking Process

Baking is an essential step in creating the perfect brownie, and timing is crucial. After pouring the batter into your prepared pan, watch for those telltale signs of doneness. You want to aim for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with a few moist crumbs rather than being completely clean. This indicates that the brownies are perfectly fudgy, so trust your instincts here; they might look slightly underbaked when you pull them out, but they will continue to cook in the residual heat.

Cooling the brownies properly is also key to achieving the right texture. Allow them to sit in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting period lets the brownies set a little while still warm, making them easier to cut into clean squares later.

Styling and Serving Suggestions

For an elevated presentation, consider dusting the cooled brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or serving them with a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and a refreshing flavor contrast. If you're feeling indulgent, warm some chocolate sauce and drizzle it over each square just before serving—this creates a decadent pairing with the fruity strawberries.

These brownies are also excellent for meal prep or sharing. If you want to make them in advance, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil; they’ll last up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving!

Ingredients

For the Brownies

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

Make sure to mix well to incorporate the cottage cheese smoothly.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Blend Wet Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!

These brownies are best served warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a non-dairy option, silken tofu can be a great substitute for cottage cheese. Blend it until smooth and replace it in equal proportions. This will maintain the creamy texture while accommodating dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend to substitute the all-purpose flour in this recipe.

For those with a sweet tooth, you can adjust the sugar to suit your preferences. Using a sugar substitute will alter the taste, so aim for options that measure cup for cup, such as erythritol, to keep the flavor consistent. With fruit, you can experiment with other berries or even banana pieces, which will change the flavor profile slightly but can be equally delicious.

Key Cooking Techniques

When mixing your dry ingredients together, be sure to whisk them thoroughly. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, ensuring consistent rising throughout your brownies. If you skip this step or just stir them together, you may end up with uneven texture and, worst-case scenario, brownies that don't rise as expected.

Another critical technique is folding in the strawberries after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. This gentle method helps preserve the integrity of the strawberries, preventing them from breaking apart and creating a beautifully marbled effect in your brownies. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so just fold until you see the strawberries incorporated.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your brownies come out too cakey, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Remember, a little mixing goes a long way; only combine until you see no dry flour streaks. Additionally, make sure not to bake them for too long; removing them from the oven right when they're about to set will result in that luscious fudgy texture we all love.

On the other hand, if your brownies seem too dense, check the ratio of wet to dry ingredients. If you’ve added too much of the dry ingredients, try adjusting next time by keeping a closer eye on how you measure your flour, considering spooning it into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag. This can prevent excess flour from sneaking into your batter.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with something else?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as alternatives.

→ How do I store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

→ What can I serve with these brownies?

They pair wonderfully with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh fruit for added flavor.