Cottage Cheese Brownies Gluten Free

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies Gluten Free
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love brownies, but sometimes I crave a healthier version that doesn't compromise on taste. That's how I came up with these gluten-free cottage cheese brownies. They are rich, fudgy, and surprisingly simple to make. The cottage cheese adds a creamy texture while keeping the recipe light. I remember the first time I served these—everyone was amazed when I revealed the secret ingredient! It's a great way to enjoy a classic dessert while sneaking in a bit of protein.

Created by

Madison Cole

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:19:15.385Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in my brownie recipe, I was skeptical. How could such a healthy ingredient create something that resembles the rich decadence of traditional brownies? But after the first batch came out of the oven, I was hooked! The texture was so moist, and the flavor was surprisingly delightful.

One tip I've learned along the way is to really blend the cottage cheese until it's smooth. This helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures a velvety finish in the brownies. Trust me, the extra effort is worth it!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Healthy alternative that doesn't skimp on flavor
Rich chocolate experience with a secret twist
Perfect for those on a gluten-free diet

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in these cottage cheese brownies plays a crucial role in achieving their rich, fudgy texture. The cottage cheese not only enhances moisture but also provides a protein boost, helping to balance the sweetness from the honey or maple syrup. If you don't have cottage cheese on hand, I recommend Greek yogurt as a suitable substitute; however, this may alter the texture slightly, giving it a denser feel.

Cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor, and opting for a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa can elevate the taste even further. Coconut oil adds a lovely richness and helps to keep the brownies fudgy. If you're looking for a substitution, you can use melted unsalted butter or even a neutral oil like canola, but this may slightly change the final flavor.

Baking Tips for Perfection

When baking these brownies, ensure your oven is completely preheated to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving the ideal balance between a gooey interior and set edges. Use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven is accurate, as uneven or incorrectly calibrated ovens can lead to either dry brownies or underbaked centers. Watch for the brownies to pull away from the edges of the pan, which is a good indicator they're done.

Letting the brownies cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before slicing is crucial. This cooling period allows them to set, reducing the chances of them falling apart when cut. For a cleaner cut, it can be helpful to run a knife along the edges of the pan before lifting them out. If you want to enjoy these brownies even later, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days or frozen for up to two months.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

Add Eggs

Add the eggs to the mixture and blend again until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix Everything Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added richness, feel free to fold in some chocolate chips before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be served as is, but adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the experience. I also love drizzling a bit of melted dark chocolate over the top to enhance the chocolate flavor even more. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt can add an unexpected contrast that really brings these brownies to life.

For a fun twist, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking. This will add an extra layer of texture and flavor while making your gluten-free brownies even more indulgent. Just ensure that any additions you use are gluten-free if you’re catering to dietary needs.

Customizing Your Recipe

Feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles! You can infuse the batter with espresso powder or vanilla bean paste for an aromatic touch. Another option is incorporating orange or mint zest, which can add a refreshing quality to the chocolate. Keep in mind that if you decide to add liquids like smoothies or purees, you may need to adjust the dry ingredients to maintain consistency.

If you prefer a less sweet brownie, consider reducing the honey or maple syrup by up to one-fourth without compromising the texture significantly. For those who can't consume dairy, using a silken tofu blend can create a similar creamy base while keeping the brownies vegan-friendly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yes, you can use agave syrup or any other liquid sweetener as a substitute.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

→ What can I use instead of coconut oil?

You can use melted butter or another neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.