Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana! The combination of creamy cottage cheese and sweet bananas creates a rich, moist brownie that satisfies my chocolate cravings without the guilt. It’s a wonderful way to sneak in protein and enjoy a decadent treat, perfect for any time of the day. Trust me, once you take a bite of these fudgy brownies, you’ll be hooked on this healthier twist on a classic dessert.

Created by

Imogen Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:22:05.325Z

When I first experimented with incorporating cottage cheese into brownies, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, the result was a deliciously moist brownie that boasted a rich chocolate flavor balanced perfectly by the sweetness of ripe bananas. The cottage cheese adds a subtle creaminess that takes these brownies to the next level, making them feel indulgent without the guilt!

I’ve shared these brownies with friends and family, and the response has always been overwhelmingly positive. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require any special techniques. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a wholesome treat that everyone will love!

        Why You Will Love These Brownies
        Fudgy texture with a delightful banana twist
Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutrient-dense cottage cheese
Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings guilt-free

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Using cottage cheese in these brownies dramatically enhances their nutritional profile. Packed with protein, it not only contributes to the moistness of the batter but also adds a subtle creaminess that balances the richness of the cocoa. The cottage cheese also helps reduce the need for additional fats, making these brownies a healthier option without compromising on texture or flavor. This ingredient is key to achieving that fudgy quality that makes you forget these are a guilt-free treat.

When blending the cottage cheese, ensure it's smooth and free of lumps. If you find that your cottage cheese isn't mixing well, consider blending it in a food processor until it reaches a creamy consistency. This technique ensures an even distribution in the brownie batter, preventing any chunky bits that could disrupt the brownie’s texture.

Banana as a Natural Sweetener

Ripe bananas serve not only as a natural sweetener in this recipe but also contribute to the moist texture of the brownies. The natural sugars found in bananas can help reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup needed, making it an enjoyable option for those looking to minimize added sugars. To achieve the best results, ensure your bananas are thoroughly ripe; brown spots indicate maximum sweetness and flavor.

If you’re short on ripe bananas, you can accelerate the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, if you're seeking a different flavor profile, you could substitute the bananas with unsweetened applesauce, which will yield a similar moisture level while providing a subtle apple taste.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

To achieve the best texture, avoid over-mixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mixing until just combined promotes a fudgy rather than cakey brownie. Also, keep an eye on your oven's temperature, as some may run hotter or cooler. I recommend checking the brownies a few minutes before the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick; they should come out with a few moist crumbs attached for that perfect fudgy texture.

Letting the brownies cool properly in the pan for at least ten minutes is crucial. This resting time allows them to firm up a bit, making them easier to cut into squares. If you prefer a cleaner cut, refrigerate the brownies for about an hour after they have cooled, which will make slicing even more straightforward.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil or butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. If using, stir in the chocolate chips.

Bake the Brownies

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

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares and serving. Enjoy!

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana make a delightful dessert on their own, but you can also elevate their presentation. Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt for an added protein boost. Drizzling some chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can also enhance both flavor and texture, making for an impressive dessert to share.

For a more substantial brunch option, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them alongside fresh fruit. This vibrant contrast not only adds nutritional value but also an appealing visual element to your spread. They're versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day, whether as a snack or a sweet breakfast treat.

Storage and Freezing

To store these brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you find yourself with leftovers, these brownies also freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to three months in the freezer, making them a great make-ahead option for easy snacking.

When you're ready to enjoy a brownie from the freezer, simply remove it and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop it in the microwave for a quick 20-30 seconds. This will help restore that warm and fudgy texture, making it feel freshly baked and delicious.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this brownie recipe to suit your taste. For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or almonds into the batter before baking. Alternatively, you could incorporate peanut butter or almond butter for a richer flavor. Swirling some of these nut butters into the batter before baking can create a marbled effect that's both beautiful and delicious.

If you're looking for a chocolate overload, consider folding in some dark chocolate chunks or using different flavored chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or butterscotch. Each variation brings its own unique flavor profile while keeping the foundation of this healthy brownie intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese if you prefer.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

You can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.