Cottage Cheese Brownies with Tahini Drizzle

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Tahini Drizzle
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup tahini; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon water (to thin)

Highlighted under: Dessert Delights Co.

I love experimenting with unique ingredients in classic recipes, and my Cottage Cheese Brownies with Tahini Drizzle are a delightful result of that creativity. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy cottage cheese not only enhances the texture but also adds a protein boost. Topped with a luscious tahini drizzle, these brownies are both indulgent and surprisingly nutritious. Trust me, once you take a bite, you'll be hooked on the creamy, chocolatey goodness that feels like a treat while still nourishing your body.

Created by

Arabella Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:52:23.661Z

In my journey to create healthier dessert options, I stumbled upon the idea of using cottage cheese in brownies. After several attempts, I finally nailed the texture—moist with a dense chocolate flavor. The best part? You won’t taste the cottage cheese at all! It mixes seamlessly, contributing to the gooeyness without overpowering the chocolate.

For the tahini drizzle, I wanted something that would elevate the brownies further. Mixing tahini with a bit of maple syrup gives that perfect sweet and nutty contrast, making it a match made in dessert heaven. This twist adds not only flavor but also healthy fats!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty tahini
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for a healthy indulgence or as a sweet treat

      

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese serves as the backbone of these brownies, providing moisture and creaminess without the heaviness of traditional oils or butters. This not only enhances the overall texture but also contributes a significant protein boost, making these brownies a guilt-free treat. When blended, the cottage cheese creates a silky base that helps achieve a fudgy consistency. Make sure to use smooth, well-mixed cottage cheese, as any lumps can affect the final brownie texture.

If you prefer a smoother outcome, you can strain the cottage cheese through a fine mesh sieve before blending. This extra step ensures that no curds remain, yielding an ultra-smooth batter. You may also experiment with ricotta cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture—it tends to be creamier and can add a subtle richness to the brownies.

Perfecting Your Tahini Drizzle

The tahini drizzle not only adds visual appeal but also balances the sweetness of the brownies with its nutty, earthy flavor. To achieve the ideal consistency, it's essential to adjust the amount of water based on your tahini’s thickness. Start with a tablespoon of water and mix until you reach a drizzling consistency. If it's too thick, gradually add more water, but be cautious—too much may dilute the flavor.

You can also enhance the drizzle by adding a pinch of salt or a dash of vanilla extract for extra depth. For a colorful twist, consider adding a bit of cocoa powder or a spoonful of honey instead of maple syrup to vary the sweetness and taste of your drizzle.

Storing and Serving Your Brownies

These brownies store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or snacking throughout the week. To keep them moist, place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you're stacking them. If you're looking for a longer shelf-life, you can freeze the brownies for up to three months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

For serving, these brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by pairing with fresh berries or a scoop of yogurt for a delightful contrast. You could also serve them warm with a drizzle of extra tahini on top or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Tahini Drizzle

1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon water (to thin)

Note:

Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Instructions

Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Blend the Batter

In a blender, combine cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, mix cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the Drizzle

While brownies are cooling, mix tahini, maple syrup, and water in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust water to reach desired consistency.

Drizzle and Serve

Once brownies are cool, drizzle with tahini mixture and slice into squares. Enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious brownies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the tahini drizzle before serving for a sweet-salty contrast.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies come out too dry, you may have overbaked them. Keep a close eye on them after the 20-minute mark, as they can go from perfectly fudgy to dry rapidly. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, rather than being completely clean. If you find your brownies are not rising well, make sure your baking powder is fresh and properly measured—the right amount is crucial for achieving that ideal texture.

Conversely, if your brownies appear too gooey, you might need to bake them a few minutes longer. If they are overly soft even after the bake time, try refrigerating them for a little while so they can set up further before slicing.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize these brownies by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, consider swirling in some additional tahini before baking for a marbled effect, enhancing both flavor and presentation. You could also substitute almond flour for the regular flour for a gluten-free version, just keep an eye on the baking time as almond flour can change the texture and moisture.

For a more decadent twist, try adding a layer of nut butter on top of the brownie batter before baking. This not only adds richness but also creates a lovely cascade of flavor that complements the chocolate and tahini beautifully. Just be sure not to add too much, as it can weigh the batter down.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

This recipe is easily adaptable if you want to make a larger batch for a crowd or to have more for yourself. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish; just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly. When scaling up, check for doneness a few minutes earlier than expected to avoid overbaking, as thicker layers can take longer to set.

Conversely, if you wish to make a smaller batch, you can halve the ingredients and use a smaller dish. Adjust the bake time down to about 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they bake. Using a smaller dish ensures that the brownies remain thick and fudge-like, rather than flat and dry.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

You can use Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a similar creamy texture.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, use flax eggs in place of regular eggs and a plant-based yogurt instead of cottage cheese.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper for up to 3 months.