Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Pieces

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Pieces
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

Highlighted under: Modern Baking Ideas

I love baking, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Pieces are an absolute favorite of mine. They marry the richness of traditional brownies with the lightness of cottage cheese, making them a unique treat. The addition of strawberries adds a burst of freshness that balances the dessert perfectly. I find that these brownies not only satisfy a sweet tooth but also provide a delightful twist on a classic recipe. They are perfect for a cozy afternoon or as a sweet ending to a dinner party!

Created by

Dorothy Finch

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:44:37.614Z

Baking these brownies was a delightful experiment that I absolutely enjoyed! The creamy cottage cheese enhances the texture, resulting in a fudgy yet light brownie. I was surprised at how well the strawberries integrate, providing natural sweetness and color.

I've tried various brownie recipes, but this one stands out because the cottage cheese boosts the protein content while maintaining a rich flavor. Using fresh strawberries allowed for a seasonal touch, making them perfect for summer gatherings. Don’t skip the step of letting them cool completely before slicing; it makes a big difference!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor perfectly complemented by sweet strawberry pieces.
Healthy twist with cottage cheese for a creamy texture.
Easy to make, perfect for baking beginners and experts alike.

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredient in these Cottage Cheese Brownies is, of course, the cottage cheese itself. It contributes a unique creaminess and moisture to the brownies without the heaviness of traditional butter or cream. This substitution is not only healthier but also provides a protein boost, making these brownies slightly more nutritious. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese before adding it to the mixture, which will result in an even denser brownie.

Using fresh strawberries brings a burst of flavor and moisture to the brownies, balancing the rich chocolate notes. Choose ripe strawberries for the best taste; they should be slightly soft to the touch but firm enough to hold their shape during baking. If fresh strawberries are not available, feel free to substitute with frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing to avoid excess moisture.

Perfecting Your Baking Technique

When mixing the ingredients, avoid over-mixing the batter. This can lead to denser brownies rather than the light, airy texture you want. Mix just until you see no dry flour before gently folding in the strawberries. As a tip, you can dust the chopped strawberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter; this prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. You want it to come out with a few moist crumbs; if it comes out clean, the brownies may be overbaked. Depending on your oven, baking times can vary slightly, so keep an eye on them starting at the 20-minute mark.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully:

Prepare the oven and pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and dark chocolate chips.

Combine both mixtures

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently stir in the chopped strawberries.

Bake

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

Cool and serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Enjoy your delicious brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Pro Tips

For an enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the batter or topping with whipped cream and additional strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be enjoyed on their own or dressed up for a special occasion. Consider serving them warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent treat. You could also drizzle a chocolate or berry sauce over the brownies for added flavor and presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate their appearance without overwhelming the palate.

For a fun twist, try pairing these brownies with a dollop of whipped cream mixed with a hint of vanilla or even a touch of lemon zest for brightness. This complements the strawberries beautifully and adds a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you'd like to keep them longer, they freeze well for up to three months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or briefly reheat in the microwave.

If you are preparing these brownies ahead of time, consider mixing the dry ingredients separately and storing them in a sealed bag or container. This way, on baking day, you can quickly combine everything without the need to measure each ingredient again. Additionally, you can chop the strawberries a day in advance for convenience, just make sure to store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with another ingredient?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as an alternative.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, they freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container.

→ What’s the best way to store the brownies?

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

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the batter.