Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon
Highlighted under: Oven Ideas
I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon whenever I need a guilt-free treat. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich chocolate creates a unique texture that’s both moist and satisfying. Adding a hint of cinnamon elevates the flavor profile, bringing warmth and complexity to each bite. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to indulge without compromising on nutrition. Trust me, once you try these brownies, they might just become your new favorite dessert!
When I first experimented with cottage cheese in a dessert, I was skeptical. However, this Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon recipe quickly proved me wrong. The cottage cheese blends seamlessly into the brownie batter, added moisture without the excess fat of traditional recipes. I learned that baking at a lower temperature for a longer period helps to maintain that fudgy texture which is so desirable.
I also love the added touch of cinnamon, which brings a lovely warmth to the brownies. This spice not only enhances the flavor but also evokes a sense of nostalgia. I typically serve these brownies warm with a dollop of yogurt on top, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Why You'll Love These Brownies
- Incredibly moist and fudgy texture
- Nutritious twist with cottage cheese
- A delightful hint of cinnamon warmth
- Perfect for indulgent snacking or gatherings
The Role of Cottage Cheese
Using cottage cheese in these brownies not only adds a moist texture but also contributes a significant amount of protein. This dairy ingredient helps to bind the mixture while keeping it light and fluffy. To ensure a smooth consistency, blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth without any lumps. If you're in a pinch, ricotta cheese can be a great substitute, though it may yield a slightly different texture.
Additionally, the cottage cheese's subtle flavor allows the rich cocoa and cinnamon to shine through. Its moisture content helps create that fudgy, indulgent texture without the need for excessive fats like butter or oil. This makes your brownies not just tasty but also a more nutritious choice, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth guilt-free.
Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies
When baking brownies, it’s crucial to monitor the cooking time closely. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. You’re looking for the edges to pull slightly away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with a few moist crumbs, rather than completely clean. This will ensure your brownies retain that desired fudge-like texture.
If you want to enhance the flavors even further, try adding chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips to the batter. Just fold them in gently after you've combined the wet and dry ingredients. This tiny addition can provide a delightful crunch and elevate the overall chocolate experience.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to get started:
For the Brownies
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Make sure everything is measured out and ready for mixing!
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your brownies:
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8x8 inch baking pan.
Blend the Ingredients
In a blender, combine cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Serve these brownies as a sweet treat any time of day!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Additionally, feel free to adjust the sweetness level based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the yogurt or ice cream complements the richness of the brownies beautifully. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or shaved dark chocolate on top for a touch of elegance.
Another great option is to serve these brownies at gatherings. They cut neatly into squares, making them easy to serve. Pair them with fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast. Not only do the berries add a pop of color, but their acidity also balances the sweetness of the brownies.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These brownies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but they’ll stay fresh even longer when stored in the fridge. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can bake the brownies, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This helps to preserve their texture and flavor.
If you wish to freeze these brownies, cut them into squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will maintain their quality for up to three months. To enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I replace the cottage cheese with another ingredient?
You could try using Greek yogurt for a similar texture, but it will change the flavor slightly.
→ How should I store the brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for a week.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
→ What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be good alternatives if you're looking for a different sweetener.
Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon
I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon whenever I need a guilt-free treat. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich chocolate creates a unique texture that’s both moist and satisfying. Adding a hint of cinnamon elevates the flavor profile, bringing warmth and complexity to each bite. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to indulge without compromising on nutrition. Trust me, once you try these brownies, they might just become your new favorite dessert!
Created by: Frederica Houghton
Recipe Type: Oven Ideas
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 16 brownies
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
How-To Steps
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8x8 inch baking pan.
In a blender, combine cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Additionally, feel free to adjust the sweetness level based on your preference.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 5g