Cottage Cheese Brownies with Blackberry Swirl

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Blackberry Swirl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 9 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 cup fresh blackberries; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Soft Kitchen

I’ve always loved brownies, but when I discovered how cottage cheese could be incorporated, I was intrigued. These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Blackberry Swirl come together beautifully, and the addition of blackberries adds a fresh and tangy dimension. The creamy texture from the cottage cheese ensures that the brownies are moist and rich, not overly sweet. This recipe has quickly become one of my favorites for those moments when I want a sweet treat that feels a bit unique. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:06:36.724Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in dessert baking, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the results. These brownies turned out to be delightfully rich without being heavy, thanks to the creamy addition. The optional blackberry swirl complements the chocolate flavor perfectly, and I love how it creates a visually stunning treat.

One tip I learned is to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly before adding it to the batter; this helps achieve a smooth texture that blends beautifully with the chocolate. I also find that baking it just the right amount keeps them fudgy while adding that incredible swirl on top. You won't believe how delicious these are!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh blackberry sweetness
Creamy texture that delights with every bite
A healthier twist on traditional brownies

Mastering the Texture

The key to achieving a delightfully moist and rich brownie lies in the cottage cheese. Ensure that the cottage cheese is well-blended, as this will create a smooth batter that avoids lumps. I recommend using a high-speed blender, which can thoroughly integrate the cottage cheese with the sugar and eggs, resulting in a creamy consistency that translates to a tender bite once baked.

When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, as it develops the gluten in the flour. You're looking for a batter that maintains some thickness without being too dense, allowing for that ideal, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pay attention to the visual texture; it should be glossy and slightly thick but still pourable.

Swirling Blackberries for a Flavor Punch

Creating the blackberry swirl is not only about flavor; it adds an appealing visual contrast to your brownies. As the blackberries cook down, they should be soft and somewhat saucy. If you prefer a smoother swirl, you can blend the blackberry mixture after cooking, but I find that leaving some chunks gives each brownie an exciting burst of flavor. Remember to let this mixture cool slightly before adding it to the brownie batter to prevent cooking the brownie itself.

When spooning the blackberry mixture onto the brownie batter, use a light hand with your swirling technique. A gentle fold rather than a complete mix ensures that the blackberries maintain their flavor profile and standalone appeal. Aim for a marbled effect that will showcase the tartness of the berries against the rich chocolate, enhancing both the look and taste of your dessert.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

For the Blackberry Swirl

1 cup fresh blackberries
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix thoroughly and enjoy!

Instructions

Prepare the Blackberry Swirl

In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the blackberries break down, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend the Brownie Batter

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Blend until smooth. In a mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the blended ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Add the Blackberry Swirl

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the blackberry mixture over the top and use a knife to swirl it gently into the batter.

Bake the Brownies

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. Let cool before slicing.

Serve and enjoy your brownies!

Pro Tips

For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder. You can also substitute frozen blackberries if fresh ones aren't available.

Tips for Success

To ensure even baking and prevent the edges from getting too dark, consider rotating your baking pan halfway through the baking time. Ovens can have hotspot regions, which means that brownies can cook unevenly without a little adjustment. After 25 minutes, the brownies should have set edges and a softly cracked top, indicating they’re ready to cool.

For those who can’t find fresh blackberries, feel free to substitute with raspberries or blueberries, which also pair delightfully with chocolate. If opting for frozen berries, be aware that they may release more liquid during cooking. Simply cook off the excess moisture to achieve that concentrated flavor while maintaining the intended texture.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually or in slices for up to a month. This allows you to enjoy a sweet treat anytime you want without having to bake from scratch again. Just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste.

Serve these Cottage Cheese Brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. I love adding chopped nuts on top for a delightful crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the soft brownie and fruity swirl. Garnishing with a few fresh blackberries not only enhances presentation but also pays homage to the flavors within.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well too!

→ How can I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

→ Can I use other fruits instead of blackberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries or strawberries would make great alternatives.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make the brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.