Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Modern Baking Ideas

I absolutely love making Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana! This recipe not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also packs in some protein thanks to the cottage cheese. The bananas add a natural sweetness and moisture that makes these brownies incredibly rich and fudgy. I enjoy whipping these up when I'm in need of a quick dessert that feels indulgent yet is somewhat healthy. Trust me, once you taste them, you won't believe they are made with cottage cheese!

Created by

Dorothy Finch

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:55:35.465Z

When I first tried Cottage Cheese Brownies, I was skeptical about using cheese in something sweet. However, once I took my first bite, I was blown away! The blend of cocoa and banana creates a flavor that completely disguises the cottage cheese, and you end up with a delightful brownie that is both rich and nutritious.

One of the best tips I can share is to make sure your bananas are perfectly ripe; the riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. I’ve experimented with different types of chocolate too, and using dark chocolate chips offers a wonderful depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas!

        Why You Will Love These Brownies
        Deliciously rich chocolate flavor combined with nutritious cottage cheese
Natural sweetness from ripe bananas for a guilt-free treat
Easy to make, perfect for a quick dessert or snack

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese serves as a unique ingredient in these brownies, contributing not just to their protein content but also to their fudgy texture. When blended, it becomes creamy, helping to create a moist batter that bakes beautifully. You won't get that gritty texture often associated with low-fat baked goods—just rich, chocolaty goodness. Make sure to use a smooth cottage cheese; if yours has a lumpy consistency, consider blending it for a velvety batter.

The proteins in cottage cheese also enhance the structure of the brownies, offering a chewiness that holds the brownies together without being overly dense. This means you can enjoy a satisfying treat that feels indulgent but still packs some nutritional benefits. For those dairy-sensitive or vegan, consider using silken tofu as a substitute—it'll maintain the creaminess and moisture.

Perfecting Your Brownie Texture

When baking, keep an eye on the texture of your brownie batter. It should be thick but pourable. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy) to achieve the right consistency. Remember, overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, so once you've incorporated the chocolate chips, stop mixing as soon as everything is distributed evenly.

As they bake, the brownies will rise slightly and their edges will set while remaining moist in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center will ideally come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating a fudgy texture. If you prefer a more cake-like brownie, extending the bake time by an additional 5 minutes can help achieve that desired outcome.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Make sure all ingredients are measured accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Here’s how to make these delicious brownies:

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 Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, cocoa powder, brown sugar, honey, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and gently fold in the dark chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

Enjoy these delightful brownies as a healthy dessert option!

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, consider adding nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving them warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top. The tartness from the yogurt complements the chocolate and banana flavors perfectly, creating a delightful contrast. You might also sprinkle some crushed nuts or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for added texture and flavor.

For a breakfast twist, consider slicing the brownies into smaller squares and pairing them with a side of fresh fruit or even a smoothie. They can serve as a nutritious post-workout snack, providing both quick energy and protein to fuel your recovery.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be made ahead and stored for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature, though they may last a little longer in the refrigerator. For extended freshness, consider freezing them; wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, so you’ll always have a sweet treat on hand.

When you're ready to enjoy a brownie from frozen, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop it in the microwave for a quick 15-20 seconds for a warm snack. This way, you won’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture after storing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt can work as a substitute for cottage cheese, but it may change the texture a bit.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

As long as you ensure your cocoa and other ingredients are gluten-free, they can certainly be made gluten-free.

→ How can I make these brownies vegan?

You can replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and substitute honey with maple syrup.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze them for up to three months.