Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 ripe bananas; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional); 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Modern Food

I love creating desserts that not only satisfy my sweet tooth but also offer a bit of nutrition. That's why I came up with these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana. The combination of cottage cheese and ripe bananas gives these brownies a unique twist, making them incredibly moist and packed with protein. They’re an excellent alternative to traditional brownies and a dessert I feel good about enjoying. Plus, they whip up in no time, making them perfect for a spur-of-the-moment sweet craving!

Created by

Una Whitcombe

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:01:34.821Z

When I first tried to incorporate cottage cheese into my brownies, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The addition of cottage cheese not only enhances the texture but also adds a protein boost that makes these brownies a bit healthier. I recommend using overripe bananas for added sweetness and a rich banana flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

What I found fascinating is how the cottage cheese blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a fudgy consistency that rivals traditional brownie recipes. Adding a sprinkle of nuts on top just before baking gives an extra crunch that contrasts delightfully with the softness of the brownies.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor combined with the unique taste of cottage cheese
Moist and fudgy texture that satisfies any chocolate craving
A healthier dessert option thanks to the protein from cottage cheese and bananas

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a crucial role in these brownies, contributing both moisture and protein. Unlike traditional fat sources like butter or oil, cottage cheese adds creaminess without overwhelming richness. This results in a lighter brownie that remains fudgy and satisfying. If you're looking to lower the fat content even further, consider using low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese, which will still provide the desired texture while cutting down on calories.

Additionally, the curds in cottage cheese add tiny bursts of flavor that complement the chocolate beautifully. It's best to use small-curd cottage cheese for even distribution throughout the brownie batter. If you prefer a smoother texture, simply blend the cottage cheese in a food processor before adding it to the mix.

Perfect Ripeness of Bananas

Using ripe bananas is key to the success of these brownies. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots and a slightly soft feel, as they contain more sugars which help to sweeten the brownies naturally. In fact, the sweetness of the bananas means you could even reduce the added sugar by a couple of tablespoons if you prefer a less sweet treat.

If you find yourself with overly ripe bananas, don't toss them! You can freeze them for later use. Just peel them, place them in a zip-top bag, and store in the freezer. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw them and mash them straight into your batter. This not only saves bananas from waste but allows you to whip up a delicious batch of brownies whenever the craving strikes!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, refrigerate them, where they'll last about a week. For even longer storage, consider freezing individual brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag. They can be enjoyed right out of the freezer for a chilled treat or warmed in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked feeling.

When it comes to serving these brownies, consider adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top or drizzling with a homemade chocolate sauce for a more decadent dessert. I often enjoy them with a sprinkle of sea salt on top, which enhances the chocolate flavor and provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness!

Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients to make these delicious brownies:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Once you have everything ready, you'll be all set to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Prepare the batter

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the cottage cheese, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.

Add optional ingredients

If using, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Once cooled, these brownies make for a delightful treat any time of the day!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Also, if you prefer your brownies a bit sweeter, feel free to increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.

Common Substitutions

If you need a dairy-free version, consider substituting the cottage cheese with silken tofu blended until smooth. This will mimic the protein content while keeping the brownies creamy. Additionally, for a gluten-free twist, swap out regular flour for an equal amount of almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend, ensuring that it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Instead of sugar, feel free to experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar. Just remember to reduce the amount of other liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the consistency of the batter.

Flavor Enhancements

While the base recipe is delightful as is, there are plenty of ways to elevate these brownies. Consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to deepen the chocolate flavor, or experiment with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm undertone.

Another fun idea is to swirl in some peanut butter or almond butter before baking for a nutty flavor. Just drop spoonfuls of nut butter on top of the brownie batter and use a knife to swirl it through for a marbled effect.

Baking Tips

To ensure even baking, make sure you spread the brownie batter evenly in the pan and smooth the top before placing it in the oven. Check for doneness around the 20-minute mark; the brownies should have a glossy top and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.

If you notice the edges puffing up too high during baking, it may indicate the oven temperature is too high. Consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy. Baking can be finicky; maintaining a consistent heat will yield the best outcome for these fudgy brownies!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese will work just fine in this recipe and still maintain a good texture.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Cut the brownies into squares and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, they can be stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for flour?

You can try almond flour or oat flour if you're looking for gluten-free alternatives, but note that the texture may vary slightly.