Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 ripe bananas; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Golden Planning

I’m always on the lookout for healthier dessert options, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana fit the bill perfectly! The combination of cottage cheese and banana creates a moist, rich texture, while the subtle sweetness makes them hard to resist. I love how simple they are to make and that they deliver a delightful chocolate flavor without the guilt. Trust me; these brownies will satisfy your sweet cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals.

Created by

Portia Langford

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:25:34.671Z

When I first experimented with these brownies, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese. However, as I mixed it with ripe bananas, the texture became surprisingly smooth. I decided to bake a smaller batch to test them out, and I was blown away by the results. The creamy cottage cheese blended perfectly with cocoa powder creating a rich brownie that was unlike any I had made before.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious! The banana adds a natural sweetness, lowering the need for additional sugar. For an extra touch, I love to sprinkle some dark chocolate chips on top before baking, which elevates the chocolate flavor even more!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cottage cheese
Moist texture that doesn't compromise on taste
Healthier alternative packed with protein and nutrients

Ingredient Insights

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient of these brownies, and its role extends beyond mere moisture. It adds protein, which not only boosts the nutritional value but also contributes to a denser, fudgier texture that elevates the overall richness of the dessert. Using full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for the best flavor and creaminess, although low-fat versions can work as a lighter substitute. Just ensure that you blend it thoroughly to avoid any curds for a smooth finish.

Bananas act as a natural sweetener, replacing refined sugars while adding moistness and a hint of fruity flavor. When selecting bananas for this recipe, look for ones that are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. This ensures they are sweet enough to complement the cocoa flavor and will create a smoother batter. If you prefer a less pronounced banana flavor, you can reduce the number of bananas to one and increase the honey or maple syrup slightly.

Baking Tips

When baking, consistency is key. Make sure to mix the wet ingredients until they are extremely smooth; this helps integrate the cottage cheese and bananas seamlessly with the cocoa powder, which could clump up if not mixed properly. If you notice the batter is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a tablespoon of water or almond milk to loosen it slightly. The goal is a pourable batter that still holds some shape when in the baking pan.

For the best baking results, be vigilant with oven timing. Depending on your oven's calibration, baking might take slightly less or more than 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for visual cues: the edges should pull away from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This will ensure that your brownies achieve that perfect balance of fudginess without being undercooked.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delectable brownies:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Make sure everything is fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your brownies:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

Blend the ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ripe bananas, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a blender to mix until smooth.

Mix dry ingredients

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

Combine mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Cool and serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your healthy treat!

Enjoy these delicious brownies any time of day!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter or topping with chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be served warm for a melted chocolate experience or chilled for a more fudgy, set texture. I love to pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that still feels guilt-free. Adding fresh berries on top can enhance the dessert's flavor profile, introducing not only added tartness but also a pop of color.

If you're entertaining, cutting the brownies into bite-sized pieces and serving them with toothpicks can create a charming dessert platter. Consider drizzling a little extra dark chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving to elevate their appearance and flavor. This visual enhancement not only makes them more appealing but can also deepen the flavor experience.

Storage and Variations

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze these brownies. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw the brownies in the fridge overnight, then warm them slightly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their softness.

There are various ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can mix in nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch or swap the cocoa powder for carob powder for a unique twist. Additionally, experimenting with different sweeteners, such as agave nectar or coconut sugar, can alter the flavor profile while maintaining the health benefits. Just remember that each alternative might slightly adjust the moisture content, so it may require a bit of tinkering with the baking time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese for another ingredient?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute if you're looking for a different taste or texture.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cocoa powder and your sweetener is also gluten-free!