Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup flour; 2 eggs; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Golden Favorites

I love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream because they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and guilt-free. With the creamy texture of cottage cheese, you get a moist brownie that’s rich in protein. The homemade strawberry cream adds a delightful fruity twist, elevating these brownies to a new level. This recipe is perfect for a sweet treat that feels extra special, whether I'm enjoying a quiet evening at home or celebrating with friends.

Created by

Selene Woodward

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:57:34.797Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in brownies, it was a game-changer. The protein-packed ingredient transforms these treats into something more than just dessert. I love the way the cottage cheese keeps the brownies incredibly moist while still being rich in flavor.

Pairing them with my homemade strawberry cream was a decision I will never regret. The cream not only adds sweetness but also a fresh, fruity note that complements the chocolate beautifully. It’s a little detail that makes a big difference in enjoyment.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor combined with creamy cottage cheese
Strawberry cream that adds a fresh and fruity twist
Perfect for both casual snacking and special occasions

      

Understanding Ingredients

The use of cottage cheese in these brownies provides not only a uniquely moist texture but also incorporates a rich source of protein. This makes them a guilt-free indulgence, especially useful for those looking to increase their protein intake without compromising on taste. When you blend the cottage cheese, ensure it’s smooth for even distribution in the batter; lumps can affect the texture of the brownies.

Unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial in achieving a deep chocolate flavor without excess sugar. This plays nicely with the natural sweetness from the sugar and the strawberry cream. If you're looking for a more intense chocolate experience, consider using dark cocoa powder for a richer, more complex flavor profile. Remember that the quality of cocoa will influence the final taste, so choose a brand you enjoy.

Perfecting the Brownie Texture

When baking these brownies, keep an eye on the edges—they should be set and slightly pulling away from the pan, while the center remains slightly soft. This indicates they’re moist but not undercooked. Using a toothpick to check for doneness is effective; just be mindful that it may come out with a few moist crumbs, which is perfectly fine for fudgy brownies.

If you prefer your brownies to have a cake-like texture, simply extend the baking time by a few minutes. However, be careful not to overbake, as this will lead to a dry result. For extra fudginess, consider adding a tablespoon of yogurt or applesauce to the batter; it won’t affect the flavor significantly but will enhance the moisture content.

Ingredients

Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Strawberry Cream

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, flour, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9x9 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool before cutting into squares.

Make the Strawberry Cream

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the pureed strawberries until well combined.

Serve

Top each brownie square with a dollop of strawberry cream just before serving. Enjoy!

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips

Feel free to use any other fruit puree for the cream to mix things up
raspberries or blueberries work wonderfully too!

Storage Tips

These brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness to about a week. Just note that you may want to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, as they taste best slightly warmed.

If you want to enjoy these brownies later, they freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or pop one in the microwave for a quick heat.

Variation Ideas

Feel free to customize the strawberry cream based on seasonal fruit availability. Substitute with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor twist. Each berry offers its own unique sweetness and acidity, so adjust the powdered sugar accordingly to maintain balance. For an extra touch, fold in some zest from lemon or lime to brighten up the flavors further.

For those who want a nutty crunch in their brownies, consider folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter just before pouring it into the baking pan. This will add a delightful texture contrast and enhance the flavor profile of the brownies. Make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you add a significant amount of nuts.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for cottage cheese.

→ How do I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well wrapped.