Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Wholesome Recipes

When I first came across the idea of adding cottage cheese to brownies, I was intrigued. With the addition of ripe bananas, I knew I could create a delicious dessert that’s both moist and surprisingly healthier than traditional brownies. The natural sweetness from the bananas balances perfectly with the rich chocolate, and the cottage cheese adds an unexpected creaminess. It’s a simple recipe that I love making on weekends when I want something sweet without the guilt.

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:58:34.865Z

Every time I bake these cottage cheese brownies, the kitchen fills with a wonderful aroma that reminds me of my childhood. I vividly recall experimenting with different ingredients to find the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The bananas not only bring sweetness but also keep the brownies moist, which is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth feel.

I also love sharing these brownies with friends and family, who are always amazed at how indulgent they taste despite the healthy twist. Pairing them with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream takes the experience to the next level!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor with a hint of banana sweetness
Moist texture that satisfies every chocolate craving
A healthier alternative to traditional brownies

      

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a key ingredient in this brownie recipe, providing an unexpected creaminess that contributes to the moist texture. The protein-rich content of cottage cheese not only helps to replace some fats typically found in brownies but also enhances the overall nutritional profile. When blended thoroughly, it integrates smoothly into the batter, ensuring that the final product maintains that beloved fudginess we all crave in a brownie.

To ensure optimal results, choose full-fat cottage cheese for a richer mouthfeel. If you only have low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese, you might notice a slight difference in texture, but it will still work effectively. I've found that using a blender or food processor to purée the cottage cheese really helps break down any lumps, creating a silken consistency that's perfect for baking.

Banana as a Natural Sweetener

Ripe bananas offer a natural sweetness that complements the cocoa powder beautifully. When selecting bananas, look for ones with plenty of brown spots, as these indicate optimal ripeness and sweetness. If your bananas aren't as ripe as you'd like, simply bake them in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant, allowing you to achieve that sweet flavor profile even with slightly greener bananas.

Beyond adding sweetness, bananas also contribute moisture to the brownies, preventing them from drying out during baking. If you're looking for a different flavor twist, try substituting half the bananas with unsweetened applesauce. This will maintain the moisture while offering a unique flavor that can elevate your brownies in a delightful way.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Now that you have everything, let’s move on to the baking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, slice into squares.

Enjoy your deliciously decadent and guilt-free brownies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter before baking. If you prefer a sweeter brownie, add an additional tablespoon of sugar.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect option for weeknight desserts or parties. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, I recommend wrapping each brownie individually in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

If you prefer them to be fudgier, underbake them slightly. Remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. This will help maintain that gooey, dense texture that pairs so well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Variations to Enhance Your Brownies

Consider adding mix-ins to your brownie batter to introduce a new dimension of flavor and texture. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add delightful crunch, while chocolate chips or chunks boost the chocolate flavor significantly. If you like spicy flavors, try adding a dash of cinnamon or even a pinch of chili powder for an intriguing twist that will surprise your palate.

For a more decadent treat, you can create a swirled brownie by reserving some of the batter and mixing in peanut butter or Nutella to create marbling. Just dollop spoonfuls on top of the brownie batter before baking, and use a knife to swirl them together lightly. This adds a wonderful flavor contrast and makes the brownies visually stunning!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as an alternative.

→ How should 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 freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

For gluten-free brownies, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.