Cottage Cheese Brownies with Espresso

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Espresso
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons espresso powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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I absolutely love these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Espresso! They’ve quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because of the rich chocolate taste and the added depth from the espresso. The cottage cheese creates a moist and fudgy texture that makes these brownies stand out from traditional recipes. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare! You can whip them up in just a bit over the time it takes to bake them, making them ideal for a last-minute dessert or a cozy weekend treat.

Created by

Arabella Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:43:17.684Z

When I first made Cottage Cheese Brownies with Espresso, I was amazed by how the cottage cheese created a creamy, decadent texture without overpowering the chocolate. It’s a sneaky way to add some protein while keeping things indulgent. I always use high-quality cocoa powder and strong espresso to enhance the chocolate flavor, making these brownies a real treat for coffee lovers.

One tip I’ve learned is to allow the brownies to cool fully before cutting. This helps them set properly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. After cooling, I like to dust them with a little powdered sugar for a touch of elegance—a perfect finish for an already delightful dessert!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Decadent chocolate flavor enhanced with rich espresso notes
Fudgy texture that stays moist thanks to cottage cheese
A healthier twist on traditional brownies without sacrificing taste

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese in Brownies

Using cottage cheese in these brownies not only contributes to a moist texture but also adds a protein boost that sets them apart from traditional recipes. The blending process breaks down the curds, creating a smooth and creamy base that integrates beautifully with the other ingredients. This means each bite remains decadent without the added fat of conventional brownie recipes, offering a guilt-free indulgence.

For those considering substitutions, low-fat or even fat-free cottage cheese can work well while maintaining the fudgy consistency. However, ensure to blend thoroughly to achieve a uniform batter. If you're aiming for a dairy-free version, silken tofu can be a suitable alternative, offering similar creaminess and added protein while keeping the brownies rich and moist.

Mastering the Espresso Flavor

The addition of espresso powder elevates the chocolate flavor, enhancing its richness without overpowering the brownies. When selecting espresso powder, opt for high-quality brands that dissolve easily and don't leave gritty bits in your batter. You can also adjust the espresso levels based on your taste preferences—starting with 1 tablespoon gives a subtle depth, while using more can yield a more pronounced coffee flavor.

If you're not a coffee fan, you can swap espresso powder for instant coffee granules, keeping the same quantity. This small change still provides a robust flavor foundation, ensuring your brownies remain rich and satisfying. Alternatively, if you prefer a chocolate-focused brownie, simply omit the espresso powder, but consider adding a touch more cocoa powder to maintain the depth of flavor.

Tips for Baking Perfect Brownies

For perfectly baked brownies, monitoring the baking time is crucial. These brownies typically take around 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but keep in mind that all ovens vary. Start checking around the 22-minute mark; the brownies should appear set around the edges while the center may look slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, indicating a fudgy texture.

To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding mix-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Fold them gently into the batter just before pouring it into the pan, taking care not to overmix. Allowing the brownies to cool completely in the pan ensures they hold together better when cut, minimizing crumbling. If you plan to serve them later, they store wonderfully in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature or can be frozen for up to three months.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugars, flour, eggs, vanilla extract, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!

Storing and Freezing Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them a convenient treat to have on hand. To keep them even fresher longer, consider wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and then placing them in a sealed container. This method helps to retain moisture and prevents them from drying out.

If you're looking to freeze leftovers, allow the brownies to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can remain frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Cottage Cheese Brownies experience, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The contrast in temperatures creates a delightful treat that many people love. Drizzling a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce can also enhance the dessert and please your guests.

For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle the brownies with a pinch of sea salt before serving. This balance of sweet and salty makes for an exquisite taste experience. Additionally, pair these brownies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso to complement the espresso notes and enhance the overall enjoyment of this lovely dessert.

Variations to Try

If you want to get creative, consider adding different flavorings like almond or mint extract to the batter. A teaspoon of either can dramatically change the brownies' aroma and taste profile, offering a unique twist on the original recipe. You can also experiment with swapping some of the all-purpose flour for almond flour to add richness and a slight nutty flavor.

For a more indulgent treat, create a layered version of these brownies. After pouring half of the brownie batter into the pan, layer with a mixture of cream cheese and sugar, followed by the remaining brownie batter on top. This additional step not only adds texture but also introduces a delightful creaminess that pairs beautifully with the espresso and chocolate flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with something else?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or silken tofu if you're looking for dairy alternatives.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Chopped nuts or chocolate chips make a delightful addition to the batter for added texture.