Cottage Cheese Brownies with Blueberries
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I can't get enough of these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Blueberries! The combination of creamy cottage cheese and juicy blueberries creates an irresistible treat that satisfies my sweet tooth. I love that they’re a healthier twist on classic brownies, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Each bite is a delightful balance of rich chocolate and refreshing berries that makes these brownies perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m hosting friends or simply indulging myself, these brownies always shine.
As I experimented with healthier dessert options, I stumbled upon the idea of using cottage cheese in brownies. The result? An unexpected, moist brownie that exceeded my expectations! By blending the cottage cheese thoroughly, I achieved a creamy texture, which perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavor. Adding blueberries not only boosts nutritional value but also enhances the taste, making each bite a delightful surprise.
On my first try, I mixed up the baking time a bit, which resulted in a softer brownie. However, I found that the longer you bake them, the firmer they become while still maintaining that delicious moisture. It’s essential to let them cool before cutting to get those perfect brownie squares. Trust me, they disappear quickly!
Why You'll Love These Brownies
- Creamy cottage cheese adds moisture without excess fat
- Bursting with fresh blueberries for a fruity twist
- Rich chocolate flavor with a hint of sweetness
Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is not just a source of moisture; it plays a vital role in keeping these brownies both rich and lower in fat compared to traditional recipes. The creaminess of the finely blended cottage cheese contributes to a dense yet fluffy texture, creating a unique mouthfeel. If you’re unsure about the taste of cottage cheese in a sweet dish, rest assured that blending it until completely smooth will eliminate any noticeable flavor, achieving a sweet, harmonious blend with the cocoa and honey.
If you're looking to keep the recipe dairy-free, a cashew cream could provide a similar texture and moisture. Simply soak raw cashews in water for a few hours, then blend them until silky smooth. This will mimic the creamy aspect of cottage cheese and allow the brownies to maintain their moistness without using dairy.
Making the Perfect Mix
Achieving the right consistency is crucial for your brownies. When mixing the wet ingredients, ensure they are combined until smooth, which helps to create an even distribution of sweetness and flavor. When you gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, it's essential to stir gently. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, as the gluten from the almond flour can develop, so just mix until the flour is barely combined.
Using a rubber spatula for folding in the blueberries is a great technique. This tool allows you to carefully incorporate the berries without crushing them, preserving their juicy burst. Remember, letting them sit in the batter too long before baking may result in a purple hue to your brownies, so aim to fold them in just until incorporated.
Flavor and Texture Tips
Another crucial aspect is the baking time. For perfectly baked brownies, keep an eye on them as they approach 25 minutes. You’re aiming for a slight firming of the edges while the center remains soft. When you poke them with a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating that they are done without being overbaked—a common issue that can dry out the moist brownie texture.
For added flavor, consider incorporating a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract into the wet mixture. These subtle notes can enhance the chocolate and blueberry flavors, making the brownies even more delightful. If you want a richer taste, you might also experiment with using a dark chocolate cocoa powder, as it will deepen the overall flavor profile.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Instructions
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Add Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to overmix.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some chocolate chips or nuts on top before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
For best results, store the brownie squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerating them can help maintain their freshness for up to a week. When ready to enjoy, simply allow them to come to room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore some of that rich gooeyness.
These brownies can easily be served warm, perhaps with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for an indulgent touch. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, contributing a delightful contrast to the chocolate's richness. For a fun twist, try sprinkling some chopped nuts or granola on top for added crunch.
Making Ahead and Freezing Options
You can prepare the brownie batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking, as cold batter can affect the baking time and texture. If you plan to freeze your brownies, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy frozen brownies, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge or leave them at room temperature for about an hour. For a quick bite, you can also microwave individual pieces for about 20-30 seconds, which brings back their soft texture and chocolatey goodness without too much fuss.
Variations to Explore
Feel free to get creative with flavors! You can swap in raspberries or cherries for the blueberries if you're looking to change it up. Alternatively, adding a layer of nut butter on top before baking can introduce a delicious swirled effect. I often add a few tablespoons of almond butter for a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
If you want to enhance the nutritional profile, consider folding in some chopped dark chocolate or cacao nibs for a richer taste experience. These additions not only contribute to the flavor but also provide satisfying texture variations that can elevate the simple brownie to a gourmet treat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the almond flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour if preferred.
→ How should I store the brownies?
Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
→ What can I serve with these brownies?
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Cottage Cheese Brownies with Blueberries
I can't get enough of these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Blueberries! The combination of creamy cottage cheese and juicy blueberries creates an irresistible treat that satisfies my sweet tooth. I love that they’re a healthier twist on classic brownies, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Each bite is a delightful balance of rich chocolate and refreshing berries that makes these brownies perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m hosting friends or simply indulging myself, these brownies always shine.
Created by: Vanessa Doyle
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 16 brownies
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- A pinch of salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some chocolate chips or nuts on top before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 55mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 6g