Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup cashew butter; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Collection

I am absolutely in love with these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cashew Butter! They’re an unexpected treat, merging rich chocolatey goodness with the creamy texture of cottage cheese. When I first experimented with this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how the cottage cheese adds moisture without overpowering the flavor. Plus, the cashew butter gives it a delightful nutty twist that elevates these brownies to a new level of indulgence. I can’t wait for you to try them yourself!

Created by

Serena Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:53:40.306Z

When I first made these brownies, I was trying to find a way to incorporate more protein into my desserts, and cottage cheese seemed like a fantastic option. The result was astonishing! The brownies turned out so decadent and rich, yet surprisingly light. Giving them a whirl with a food processor really helps meld the flavors beautifully, ensuring every bite is moist and delightful.

Another tip I discovered is how well the cashew butter complements the chocolate. The nutty notes really shine through and add an unexpected depth that keeps you coming back for more. Don’t be afraid to let them cool completely before cutting; the texture improves as they set!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with the creaminess of cottage cheese
Nutty and smooth cashew butter adds a delightful twist
Healthier treat without sacrificing indulgence

Texture and Flavor Fusion

These Cottage Cheese Brownies are a delightful venture into the world of texture. The cottage cheese contributes not only moisture but also a surprising lightness to the brownie. As it bakes, the proteins in the cottage cheese help create a tender crumb, making these brownies less dense than traditional recipes. The result is an incredibly rich, fudgy brownie with a unique lift that you won't find in typical chocolate desserts.

The cocoa powder used here is essential for achieving that classic deep chocolate flavor. It pairs seamlessly with the sweet notes from both sugar and honey, resulting in a complex chocolate experience. I like to use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best results, as it enhances the overall flavor profile, ensuring that the brownies are rich without being overly sweet.

Ingredient Importance and Substitutions

Cashew butter plays a pivotal role in adding creaminess and a nutty flavor that balances the chocolate. If you’re looking for a substitution due to allergies, almond butter or sunflower seed butter would work well too. However, keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly alter the final flavor and texture. For a vegan version, substituting eggs with flax eggs is an option, which will maintain the moistness while keeping the recipe plant-based.

The baking powder in this recipe is crucial for creating lift and ensuring that the brownies don’t turn out too dense. If you’re out of baking powder, you can create a homemade version by combining one part baking soda with two parts cream of tartar. This substitution will help keep your brownies fluffy and soft, so they are enjoyable to bite into.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup cashew butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Now that you have everything, let’s get started!

Instructions

Follow these steps:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.

Blend Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, cashew butter, cocoa powder, sugar, honey, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth and well mixed.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Cut

Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Enjoy your delicious brownies!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking!

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be served warm, straight from the oven, or after they’ve cooled completely. Either way, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top makes for an indulgent treat. Drizzling some additional melted cashew butter over the top can also enhance the nutty flavors while providing a gorgeous presentation for gatherings or family get-togethers.

For a more decadent experience, consider adding dark chocolate chips or chunks to the batter before baking. Not only does this elevate the chocolate flavor, but it also adds extra gooeyness. Alternatively, sprinkle some sea salt over the top just before serving to contrast beautifully with the sweetness, creating a gourmet touch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To store the brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, I recommend refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness for about a week. To enjoy them later, you can also freeze individual squares in a zip-top bag; they’ll stay good for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave before enjoying.

If you’re planning to make these brownies ahead of time, you can prepare the batter a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature before pouring it into the prepared baking pan and baking. This way, you can have freshly baked brownies without needing to start from scratch!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cashew butter?

Yes, you can use any nut butter of your choice, such as almond or peanut butter.

→ How do I store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it does not contain any flour.

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works just as well in this recipe.