Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup coconut sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup desiccated coconut; 1/4 cup melted coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut—it's a delightful twist on a classic! The use of cottage cheese not only adds a unique texture but also keeps the brownies moist and rich without piling on the calories. I’ve always been a fan of using wholesome ingredients in my baking, and this recipe allows me to indulge without the guilt. Plus, the coconut flakes add a subtle sweetness and a tropical flair that makes every bite special. You won't believe how delicious they are!

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:55:15.595Z

When I first decided to bake these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Coconut, I wondered how the cottage cheese would affect the texture. Surprisingly, it made the brownies delightfully moist without being overly dense. I experimented with adding just the right amount of coconut, and it created a perfect harmony of flavors that everyone loved!

As I tested different variations, I learned that blending the cottage cheese until smooth really helps to incorporate it evenly. It gives the brownies a rich, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy coconut on top. These brownies have become a staple in my baking repertoire!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Decadently moist with a surprising creamy texture
Coconut adds a delightful crunch and sweetness
A healthier twist on traditional brownies with cottage cheese
Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient of these brownies, bringing moisture and a creamy texture that you wouldn’t normally associate with baked goods. It replaces traditional fats like butter or oil but still provides richness. Plus, the protein content boosts the nutritional profile of these brownies, making them a suitable treat for post-workout snacking. When blended smoothly, it helps create a light, airy batter that yields fudgy brownies with a tender crumb.

To blend the cottage cheese effectively, ensure that it reaches a velvety consistency without lumps. This may require a minute or two in the blender or food processor. If you find your cottage cheese a bit chunky, don’t hesitate to strain it lightly; this will ensure a smooth batter that bakes evenly. Remember, the better you blend it, the creamier your final product will be, so take the time here to set yourself up for success.

Choosing Your Coconut

The desiccated coconut added to this recipe not only contributes texture but also infuses a tropical sweetness that complements the chocolate beautifully. When choosing coconut, opt for unsweetened desiccated coconut to keep the overall sugar content lower while still enjoying its natural flavor. Sweetened coconut can lead to overly sugary brownies that may mask the chocolate's richness, so it's best to stick to the natural kind.

If you want to heighten the coconut flavor, consider toasting the desiccated coconut before adding it to the batter. This will deepen its flavor and add a pleasant crunch. Simply spread it on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden. Just keep an eye on it, as it can quickly go from toasted to burnt!

Storing and Serving Tips

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they will stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months; just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They make for a quick snack—just pull one out and let it thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.

Serving these brownies is where you can get creative! They are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an additional flavor kick, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top or sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. These additions enhance the chocolate flavor and make the overall experience even more indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy brownie texture.

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to avoid lumps.

Incorporate Coconut

Finally, fold in the desiccated coconut until evenly distributed throughout the brownie batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. If you're a chocolate lover, a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before serving can enhance the sweetness beautifully.

Troubleshooting Your Brownie Batter

If your brownie batter looks too dry, it might be due to the flour being over-measured or not enough moisture from the cottage cheese. Add a splash of milk or water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached—smooth but not runny. Conversely, if it appears too wet, you might need to add a bit more flour gradually until it thickens appropriately.

Another common issue is brownies that turn out too cakey rather than fudgy, which may indicate that they were baked too long. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs rather than completely clean, they are just right and will firm up as they cool.

Ingredient Variations

If you're looking to make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg). This will still provide binding properties while keeping the recipe plant-based. Additionally, consider using a plant-based yogurt to further enhance the creamy texture in place of cottage cheese if preferred.

For a richer flavor profile, feel free to add in some chopped dark chocolate or nuts along with the desiccated coconut. Chopped walnuts or pecans can contribute a nice crunch and will pair beautifully with the chocolate and coconut. Just make sure to adjust the filling proportion so that the brownies don’t become overly dry due to added ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be a substitute, but it may change the texture slightly.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can these brownies be frozen?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free flour, these brownies can easily be made gluten-free.