Description
These Protein Packed Cottage Cheese Brownies are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional brownies, combining creamy cottage cheese with cocoa powder, peanut butter, and protein powder. They’re perfect for a nutritious dessert or snack, offering a rich chocolate flavor with added protein and lower sugar content.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Mixture
- 18 oz cottage cheese
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons creamy, unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 scoop chocolate or unflavored protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 3 tablespoons dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Blend Brownie Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, peanut butter, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, protein powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain from the cottage cheese.
- Transfer Mixture to Pan: Pour the blended batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter for an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 4 large servings. Enjoy your protein-packed dessert!
Notes
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer and smoother chocolate flavor.
- Choose a protein powder that best suits your taste preference; chocolate flavor enhances the chocolate taste while unflavored won’t alter the taste much.
- Ensure the peanut butter is unsweetened to control the overall sugar level in the recipe.
- These brownies are best stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days.
- For a vegan version, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative, though texture may vary.
