Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 9 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1 ripe banana, mashed; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Ideas

I love making desserts that are both indulgent and surprisingly wholesome, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana fit the bill perfectly. Combining rich cocoa with the creamy texture of cottage cheese allows me to enjoy the decadent flavor of brownies without feeling too guilty. The addition of banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, resulting in a brownie that's soft and fudgy. Plus, it’s a fun way to sneak in some extra protein and nutrients, making these brownies a delicious treat for any time of day!

Created by

Maribel Sutton

Last updated on 2026-01-12T06:37:34.528Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of using cottage cheese in brownies, I was intrigued. The concept made sense; it lends moisture and richness without overpowering the chocolatey goodness. Experimenting with the ratio of banana to cottage cheese was essential to achieve that perfect texture. After a few tries, I discovered that allowing the banana to really ripen adds a beautiful flavor depth, which complements the cocoa perfectly.

One detail that really made a difference was blending the mixture until completely smooth. This prevents any lumps from disrupting the brownie texture, keeping them fudgy and rich. Trust me, these little tweaks made all the difference in achieving brownies that I’m proud to serve to friends and family!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Fudgy texture that rivals traditional brownies
Nutritious ingredients without sacrificing flavor
Easy to make, using simple pantry staples

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredient in these brownies is cottage cheese, which not only contributes to the fudgy texture but also packs an impressive protein punch. Blending it until smooth ensures a creamy consistency, eliminating any lumpy texture that could interfere with the brownie experience. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, consider using silken tofu as a substitute, blending it in the same way for a similar texture.

Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the brownies. When using overripe bananas, you’ll reap the benefits of their intensively sweet taste. This is a great way to reduce added sugars in the recipe. If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, you can also use unsweetened applesauce in the same quantity as a suitable swap.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, it’s essential to mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a denser texture. A few floury streaks remaining is perfectly fine. You want to maintain the lightness that the cottage cheese and bananas provide. Use a rubber spatula for folding to help gently incorporate the ingredients without deflating the batter.

While baking, keep an eye on the brownies around the 25-minute mark. Ovens can vary, so checking for doneness with a toothpick is crucial. You’re looking for a few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick rather than wet batter. This ensures you achieve a perfect fudgy interior without overbaking, which can lead to a dry outcome.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1 ripe banana, mashed
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, mashed banana, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips to the brownie batter before baking. These additions will enhance the texture and taste, making your brownies even more delightful.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, try refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. If you plan to make them ahead for an event, I recommend baking them a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in an even richer taste.

For freezing, slice the brownies and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked taste.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be enjoyed on their own, but for an elevated treat, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt. You could also drizzle some chocolate sauce or nut butter for an additional flavor burst. Adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter could introduce delightful texture contrasts, making each bite even more indulgent.

If you're hosting a gathering, serve the brownies alongside fresh fruits like berries or slices of banana for a refreshing contrast. Pairing them with a strong cup of coffee or tea can enhance the chocolate flavor, making them a perfect afternoon snack. You could even dust them with a little powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant presentation!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but it may slightly alter the texture.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

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

→ Can I make these brownies vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based sweetener to make them vegan.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of espresso for a rich flavor boost. You can also top them with nut butter for extra indulgence!