Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I’m excited to share my Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl with you! This recipe merges the rich flavors of chocolate with the unique creaminess of cottage cheese, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and surprisingly nutritious. I’ve found that the peanut butter swirl adds a delightful contrast to the brownie’s fudgy texture, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re in the mood for a snack or a dessert to impress your friends, these brownies will definitely satisfy your cravings.

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:01:15.420Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in brownies, I was pleasantly surprised by how this often-overlooked ingredient can enhance the texture without compromising the rich flavor we all love. The protein from the cottage cheese adds a subtle creaminess, which perfectly complements the decadent chocolate. I recommend mixing the batter just until combined to ensure the brownies remain moist and fudgy.

The peanut butter swirl came from a late-night craving, and it turned out to be the perfect finishing touch. Not only does it add a wonderful nutty flavor, but also gives these brownies a beautiful marbled appearance. You won’t believe how quickly these disappear!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter swirl
High in protein from the cottage cheese
Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in a healthier way

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredient in these brownies is cottage cheese, which not only adds moisture but also contributes to the protein content. Blending the cottage cheese with the other ingredients creates a smooth batter, ensuring that it doesn’t have an overly cheesy taste. To achieve this, I recommend using well-drained cottage cheese, as excess liquid could lead to a fudgier texture that might not hold up well during baking.

Using unsweetened cocoa powder is key to balancing the sweetness of the sugar in this recipe. Unlike sweetened cocoa, unsweetened cocoa powder allows you to have full control over the sweetness of your brownies. If you'd like to adjust the chocolate intensity, consider adding a bit more cocoa powder, keeping in mind that this may affect the overall texture.

Baking Tips and Techniques

When baking the brownies, keep an eye on the time; they should be baked until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, usually around 30 minutes. This is crucial because overbaking will turn the brownies dry, while underbaking may leave them too gooey. If using a glass or dark baking pan, reduce the temperature by 25°F, as these pans can cause the edges to cook too quickly.

Swirling the peanut butter mixture into the brownie batter is an art. Make sure to use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl from the top to the bottom without fully blending it in. This method creates beautiful marbling on the surface, which not only looks appealing but also gives bites of intense peanut butter flavor.

Ingredients

For the brownies:

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

For the peanut butter swirl:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven

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

Prepare the brownie batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, flour, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.

Make the peanut butter swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.

Combine and swirl

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

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter. To make these brownies even more nutritious, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Serving and Storing

These brownies are delightful served warm or at room temperature. For an indulgent treat, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to elevate the dish further, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.

If you have leftovers, store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, cut into squares and freeze. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking, preventing any texture loss upon reheating.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the brownies. Dark chocolate chips complement the rich cocoa flavor beautifully, while chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy texture of the brownies.

For a healthier twist, you could substitute the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or maple syrup, adjusting the amounts accordingly. Keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the texture, so a little testing might be needed to get them just right.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe without sacrificing flavor.

→ How should I store these brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

→ Is there a substitute for eggs in this recipe?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs if you need a vegan option.