Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped walnuts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Whenever I crave something rich yet a bit healthier, I whip up these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts. The combination of cottage cheese and cocoa gives these brownies a delightful fudginess, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. Not only do I enjoy the indulgent taste, but I also love knowing that I’m sneaking in some protein and healthy fats. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a post-dinner dessert, these brownies are sure to impress anyone who tries them!

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:25:15.937Z

When I first made these Cottage Cheese Brownies, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese in a dessert. However, once they came out of the oven, the rich aroma filled my kitchen and convinced me I was onto something special. The texture is wonderfully moist without being overly heavy, thanks to the cottage cheese!

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is how versatile it is. I often experiment with different nuts or even add chocolate chips for an extra layer of decadence. The balance of flavors is simply delightful, and I find it hard to eat just one!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of nutty goodness
Healthy twist thanks to cottage cheese for added protein
Perfectly fudgy texture that satisfies your sweet tooth

      

Choosing Your Walnuts

When selecting walnuts for your Cottage Cheese Brownies, opt for fresh, high-quality nuts for the best flavor and texture. Toasting the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes can enhance their nutty aroma, making them even more delicious in the brownies. Pay attention to the walnuts, as they can go from toasted to burnt quickly!

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds. Both options will complement the rich chocolate flavor while adding their unique taste. Just remember to chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the brownie batter.

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a crucial role in achieving the brownies’ fudgy texture while adding moisture and a boost of protein. Using low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese can be a great way to lighten the brownies even further without sacrificing texture. Just make sure to blend it smooth so that it integrates well into the batter and contributes to that decadent mouthfeel.

If you're feeling adventurous, adding flavored cottage cheese, like chive or garlic, can add an unexpected twist. However, I recommend sticking to plain cottage cheese for a classic chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the bittersweet cocoa.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious brownies:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts

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

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Add Nuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy these delicious brownies with a scoop of ice cream or dusted with powdered sugar!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, try using dark cocoa powder or adding a sprinkle of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.

Perfecting the Baking Time

Baking these brownies to perfection requires some attention to detail. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. You want it to come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. This will ensure a fudgy texture without being overly gooey. Every oven can be slightly different, so adjust the time accordingly, if necessary.

If your brownies are overcooked, they can become dry rather than the intended fudgy delight. You might notice the edges pulling away from the pan and a matte finish on top when they’re ready. If this happens, don’t panic! Next time, try lowering the temperature by 25°F and extending the bake time for a more controlled finish.

Storing and Freezing Brownies

Once your Cottage Cheese Brownies have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them even fresher, try refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life to about a week. Just know that these brownies are best enjoyed when they’re at room temperature, as the chilling can alter their gooey texture.

If you want to prepare ahead for a gathering, freezing the brownies is a fantastic option. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to three months. To enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe, just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! You can use pecans, hazelnuts, or even almonds if you prefer.

→ What can I do if the brownies are too dry?

If your brownies turn out dry, try reducing the bake time slightly or adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter.