Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making these Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies when I'm craving something indulgent yet guilt-free. Combining creamy cottage cheese with rich chocolate and the crunch of almonds, these brownies offer a unique twist to the classic dessert. I’ve found that using cottage cheese not only makes them healthier but also gives them a delightful moisture that keeps them fudgy. When I make these, I can’t help but share them with friends and family, and they always disappear quickly!

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:50:25.217Z

When I first experimented with these Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies, I was surprised by how well the cottage cheese worked as a base. Not only does it enhance the flavor profile, but it also adds a lovely creamy texture. I will never forget the first time I served them to my friends; their eyes lit up with surprise when they found out the secret ingredient!

To keep the brownies moist, make sure to not overbake them. I usually check for doneness around the 25-minute mark, and the tester should come out slightly gooey. The combination of chocolate and coconut, along with the crunch from the almonds, has created a dessert that I always happily make again.

Why You'll Love These Brownies

  • Rich chocolate flavor with a hint of coconut
  • Healthier twist from creamy cottage cheese
  • Fudgy texture with a satisfying crunch

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final taste and texture of these brownies. Using fresh, whole cottage cheese will ensure a creamier batter. I recommend opting for unsweetened cocoa powder, as it allows you to control the sweetness level when combined with honey or maple syrup. Almond flour not only provides a delightful nutty flavor but also aids in achieving that moist and fudgy texture that every brownie lover craves.

Make sure to use large eggs for this recipe, as they contribute to the structure and binding of the brownies. If you’re looking to make these brownies vegan, consider substituting the eggs with flax eggs. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. This replacement works well, maintaining the brownies’ moisture.

Baking Technique Tips

When pouring the batter into your greased baking dish, use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring even baking. The brownies should bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean, as you want that fudgy texture. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.

After removing from the oven, allow the brownies to cool in the dish for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time helps them set and makes cutting easier. For clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife, dipping it in warm water and wiping it dry between cuts to prevent the brownies from crumbling.

Ingredients

  • All ingredients should be at room temperature.

For the Brownies

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Topping

  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • Feel free to customize the toppings!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish.

Prepare the Batter

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

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out slightly gooey.

Add Toppings

While the brownies are baking, mix together shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and dark chocolate chips. After removing the brownies from the oven, sprinkle the topping mixture on top.

Finish and Cool

Let the brownies cool in the dish for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

Enjoy these delicious brownies with a dollop of whipped cream!

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Pro Tips

  • For an extra kick, add a touch of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storing and Freezing

These Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them beyond that timeframe, freeze the cut squares individually, separated by parchment paper, and keep them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

When you store these brownies, the flavors continue to develop, enhancing the rich chocolate and nutty notes. If you prefer a warm treat, you can reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to melt the chocolate chips slightly and restore that fresh-baked feel.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful serving experience, try topping these brownies with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The creaminess of yogurt or ice cream complements the fudgy texture of the brownies beautifully. Additionally, a sprinkle of sea salt right before serving can enhance the chocolate flavor and add a sophisticated touch.

If you want to please a crowd, consider cutting the brownies into smaller squares for bite-sized treats. They also make excellent toppings for ice cream sundaes, providing an unexpected crunch and rich chocolate flavor that elevates any dessert. You could even crumble them over a fruit salad as a decadent yet healthier option.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for cottage cheese.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, they are gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free almond flour.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies

I love making these Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies when I'm craving something indulgent yet guilt-free. Combining creamy cottage cheese with rich chocolate and the crunch of almonds, these brownies offer a unique twist to the classic dessert. I’ve found that using cottage cheese not only makes them healthier but also gives them a delightful moisture that keeps them fudgy. When I make these, I can’t help but share them with friends and family, and they always disappear quickly!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 brownies

What You'll Need

For the Brownies

  1. 1 cup cottage cheese
  2. 1 cup almond flour
  3. 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  4. 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  5. 2 eggs
  6. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  7. 1/2 tsp baking powder
  8. 1/4 tsp salt

For the Topping

  1. 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  2. 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  3. 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out slightly gooey.

Step 03

While the brownies are baking, mix together shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and dark chocolate chips. After removing the brownies from the oven, sprinkle the topping mixture on top.

Step 04

Let the brownies cool in the dish for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra kick, add a touch of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 6g