Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/3 cup natural peanut butter; 2 tbsp honey; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I’m always on the lookout for healthier dessert options, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl have quickly become a favorite in our household. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich chocolate gives the brownies a unique texture that I just love. Topped with a luscious peanut butter swirl, each bite is an indulgent yet guilt-free treat. Perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth while keeping an eye on nutrition, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy brownies without the excess calories.

Created by

Riley Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:55:17.533Z

When I first experimented with using cottage cheese in a brownie recipe, I was amazed by how well it combined with chocolate to create a moist and fudgy texture. The key is to blend the cottage cheese until smooth, which eliminates any graininess and adds a lovely creaminess to the mix. I also discovered that balancing the cocoa powder with peanut butter not only elevates the flavor but also makes for a stunning presentation.

In my attempts to perfect this recipe, I found that swirling the peanut butter into the batter before baking not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures that each brownie gets a taste of that nutty richness. This technique keeps the brownies moist and helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a satisfying treat that feels decadent without the overloaded calories.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter
Unique moist texture thanks to cottage cheese
Lower in calories compared to traditional brownies
Perfect for both casual snacking and special occasions

      

Ingredient Insights

The key to achieving the unique moist texture of these brownies lies in the cottage cheese. Blending it until smooth eliminates any lumps, ensuring it distributes evenly throughout the batter. This not only contributes to a rich mouthfeel but also offers a good source of protein and calcium, making these brownies a more nutritious option. If you're short on cottage cheese, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, maintaining the creamy consistency.

Using unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial for controlling the brownie’s sweetness. By pairing cocoa with honey or maple syrup, you can adjust the level of sweetness to your preference. If you’d like a deeper chocolate flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter—it enhances the chocolate notes beautifully without imparting a coffee taste.

Perfecting the Peanut Butter Swirl

Achieving the ideal peanut butter swirl is all about consistency. If your peanut butter is too thick, gently warming it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will make it easier to blend with honey and vanilla, allowing for a more defined swirl in your brownies. This creates visual appeal and ensures every bite has that delicious peanut butter flavor you crave.

When swirling the peanut butter into the brownie batter, be careful not to overmix. A few gentle strokes with a knife or toothpick will create lovely streaks without fully incorporating the peanut butter, allowing you to enjoy the contrasting flavors in each bite. The goal is to see distinct ribbons of peanut butter mixed with the chocolate batter.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious brownies.

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Peanut Butter Swirl Ingredients

1/3 cup natural peanut butter
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Once you've gathered your ingredients, you're ready to make these delectable brownies!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Cottage Cheese Brownies.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, cocoa powder, flour, honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it's too thick, microwave for 10-15 seconds to thin it out.

Assemble the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture on top and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it into the brownie batter gently.

Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice the brownies into squares and enjoy your guilt-free dessert!

Pro Tips

For an extra chocolate kick, you can add a handful of chocolate chips to the brownie batter. Additionally, if you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or sweetener used.

Storage Tips

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, making them an excellent option for meal prep. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them; they will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

For those who like to plan ahead, these brownies freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or microwave for a few seconds.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas can enhance the experience and add a pop of color to your dessert spread. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of Greek yogurt on the side can also elevate the dish, providing a light and creamy contrast to the rich brownie.

For a festive touch, consider dusting the cooled brownies with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving, which adds a professional look. You could also drizzle some additional melted chocolate or chocolate sauce on top for an even more indulgent treat. These little touches make the brownies suitable for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with another cheese?

I recommend sticking with cottage cheese for the best texture, but ricotta could work in a pinch.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap each brownie individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

→ Can I use a different nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter makes a delicious alternative to peanut butter.