Cottage Cheese Brownies with Espresso

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Espresso
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 2 tablespoons espresso powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Cozy Plate Creations

I absolutely love this recipe for Cottage Cheese Brownies with Espresso! It combines two of my favorite ingredients—rich espresso and creamy cottage cheese—into a dessert that is both decadent and surprisingly nutritious. The cottage cheese lends a unique texture, making the brownies moist without being overly fudgy. Perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth while still feeling good about what I’m eating, these brownies are sure to become a regular treat in our home.

Created by

Lucinda Price

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:43:23.655Z

Making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Espresso was an experiment I wasn't sure would pan out, but it turned into a delightful surprise! I used high-quality espresso powder which intensified the chocolate flavor beautifully. The slight tang from the cottage cheese balanced the sweetness and added a creamy texture that I found irresistible.

While mixing the ingredients, I discovered that blending the cottage cheese until smooth created a much better consistency. This simple step transformed the brownies into something special, and now I can't imagine making brownies without it!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        A perfect marriage of rich chocolate and robust espresso flavors
Creamy texture from cottage cheese that makes them irresistibly moist
Lower in calories compared to traditional brownies for guilt-free indulgence

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies, contributing not only to their moisture but also a rich protein boost. This ingredient creates a creamy texture that sets these brownies apart from traditional recipes. The blending process ensures that the cottage cheese integrates smoothly, preventing any curd-like texture that might detract from the overall dessert. Be sure to use smooth, well-blended cottage cheese for the best results, as chunky cheese can lead to an uneven consistency.

If you're dairy-free or lactose intolerant, consider using a plant-based cream cheese or vegan cottage cheese alternative. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Additionally, if you find that your brownies are slightly denser than expected, it could be due to the moisture content of your substitute—experimenting with proportions and baking times is key.

Perfecting Your Espresso Flavor

The espresso powder in these brownies is essential for enhancing the chocolate flavor, creating a rich and bold taste that elevates the entire dessert. For a stronger coffee essence, you can increase the espresso powder by a tablespoon, but balance this with an additional tablespoon of cocoa powder to maintain the desired consistency. Remember, espresso powder dissolves better than instant coffee granules, so it’s ideal for baking.

If you prefer a milder coffee flavor, simply reduce the espresso powder slightly. In any case, be careful not to leave it out completely, as this will diminish the brownies' overall depth and complexity. For those who may not have espresso powder on hand, you can substitute it with finely ground coffee, but sift it into the dry ingredients to prevent gritty textures.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Espresso are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just note that refrigeration may alter their texture slightly, so allow them to come to room temperature before serving. If you want to freeze them, wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

For serving, consider pairing these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the dense texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a decorative touch without overwhelming the inherent flavors. For an extra kick, drizzle with chocolate sauce or a shot of espresso to enhance the coffee flavor even further!

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons espresso powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Mix all the dry ingredients well before adding wet ones for the best results.

Directions

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Blend until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, espresso powder, salt, and baking powder.

Combine Mixtures

Add the smooth cottage cheese mixture and applesauce to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

These brownies are best enjoyed chilled; they taste even richer after a night in the fridge!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the batter.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies turn out a bit too dry, it may be due to overbaking. Baking at the precise temperature for the recommended time is essential, but always keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If you find them too dry, consider adding a tablespoon of applesauce next time for added moisture.

Conversely, if your brownies are too gooey, it could be due to underbaking or too much liquid from the cottage cheese. Ensure your cottage cheese is well-drained and that you follow the baking time indicated. For extra assurance, you might try baking them longer in 5-minute increments until they set properly.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. If you’re preparing for a crowd, simply double the ingredients to fit a larger 9x13 inch baking dish. Keep an eye on baking time, as larger volumes may require an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven to cook through, so always check with a toothpick in the center.

If you're making a smaller batch, feel free to halve the ingredients for a smaller 8x8 inch baking dish. However, reduce the baking time slightly to prevent overbaking, checking for doneness at around 20 minutes. Adjusting the size of the batch ensures that you won’t compromise on flavor or texture, so you can enjoy these brownies tailored to your needs.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used as a substitute without sacrificing too much texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

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

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour mix for a different texture.