Cottage Cheese Brownies with Raspberries

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Raspberries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup melted coconut oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh raspberries

Highlighted under: Soft Kitchen

I’ve always loved brownies, but when I came across the idea of using cottage cheese, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities. These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Raspberries have become a staple in my kitchen. The addition of cottage cheese not only enhances the texture but also keeps them moist and adds a delightful protein boost. Topped with fresh raspberries, they bring a tangy contrast that elevates the experience. Whether for dessert or a sweet snack, these brownies are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:51:35.612Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was skeptical. I wasn't sure how the texture would turn out, but I was pleasantly surprised! The cottage cheese creates a fudgy base that I absolutely adore. I learned that blending it well ensures that no lumps are present, resulting in a smooth and luscious brownie.

Raspberries were a last-minute addition, and they turned out to be the perfect topping. Their natural tartness cuts through the sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully. If you want to experiment, feel free to swap the raspberries for your favorite berry; the brownie's base will carry whatever you choose!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh raspberries
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
A healthier twist on traditional brownies

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies, lending a unique creaminess that traditional recipes lack. It not only adds moisture but also imparts a protein boost that transforms these brownies into a slightly healthier option. When blended until smooth, it integrates seamlessly into the batter, ensuring there are no curds. This method maintains the rich chocolate flavor while providing a surprisingly light texture that melts in your mouth.

For those concerned about the cheese flavor, rest assured that when combined with cocoa and the sweeteners, the cottage cheese becomes nearly undetectable. If you prefer an even creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese as a substitution; just make sure to blend it thoroughly to avoid any graininess.

Maximizing Fresh Raspberry Flavor

The addition of fresh raspberries not only elevates the flavor profile but also introduces a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness of the brownies. When baking, these berries soften and release some of their juices, creating bursts of flavor in every bite. I recommend pressing them gently into the batter before baking to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during cooking.

If fresh raspberries are not available, you could use frozen ones, but be aware they contain more moisture. If you opt for frozen, add them directly to the batter without thawing; this prevents them from bleeding too much into the brownie mix. You could also reduce the baking time slightly to maintain the structure.

Storing and Serving Tips

After cooling, these brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer preservation, consider freezing them. To freeze, cut the cooled brownies into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They will last up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for a perfect texture when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Serving suggestions include a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement their rich chocolate flavor. For a touch of elegance, dust the brownies with powdered sugar or garnish with additional fresh raspberries just before serving. This makes them not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh raspberries

These ingredients combine to create a wonderfully moist and flavorful brownie that you'll want to make again and again!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.

Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. This step is crucial for achieving a good texture.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Raspberries

Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with Raspberries!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso powder to the batter.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies turn out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour. To avoid this, mix until just combined—you should still see a few streaks of flour. Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to the overall structure, so gentle handling is key to achieving that desired fudgy texture without being overly heavy.

Another common issue is raw centers. If your toothpick comes out with wet batter after 25 minutes, return the brownies to the oven for an additional 2-5 minutes. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool, so aim for a few moist crumbs on the toothpick rather than complete dryness.

Scaling the Recipe

If you'd like to make a larger batch of brownies, scaling up this recipe is straightforward. Simply double the ingredient quantities and bake the mixture in a larger 9x13-inch baking pan. However, keep an eye on the baking time; you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes due to the increased volume. Always check for doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven.

Conversely, if you want to make a smaller batch, you can halve the ingredients and bake them in a smaller 6-inch square pan. Reducing the baking time is crucial here, so start checking for doneness after about 20 minutes.

Flavor Variations

While the chocolate and raspberry combination is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors. You can substitute the raspberries with chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch or use peanut butter in place of the coconut oil for a delightful twist. For a hint of spice, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of espresso powder to the batter for a deeper flavor.

If you're looking to reduce sugar in this recipe, consider using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check the baking instructions on the package, as they may vary from traditional sugar in terms of moisture absorption and browning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

You can try using Greek yogurt for a similar texture, but it will change the flavor slightly.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, but be aware that they may release more moisture and change the texture slightly.

→ What can I add to the brownies for extra flavor?

Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.