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: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love experimenting with healthier dessert options, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl are a delightful result of that curiosity. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich peanut butter creates a fudgy texture that’s hard to resist. I was pleasantly surprised at how moist and flavorful these brownies turned out, making every bite an indulgent treat without the guilt. They are perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth while still nourishing my body, and I can't wait to share this recipe with you!

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2026-01-06T09:31:14.251Z

While perfecting this recipe, I discovered that using cottage cheese not only adds protein but also keeps the brownies incredibly moist. I had a couple of friends over, and they couldn't believe that these treats were healthier than traditional brownies! I experimented with the peanut butter swirl, adding it just before baking for a beautiful marble effect.

One important tip I learned is to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly before adding it to the brownie mix to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This little detail makes all the difference in the end result. Trust me; these brownies will impress even the pickiest of eaters!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Decadent flavor without the guilt
Creamy peanut butter that adds an irresistible swirl
Packed with protein from cottage cheese for a healthier treat

      

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the ideal fudgy texture in these brownies hinges on the cottage cheese. It not only adds moisture but also lends a rich, creamy mouthfeel. When blending, ensure that there are no lumps; a smooth consistency is critical. I recommend using low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, full-fat cottage cheese is an excellent option, contributing to a decadent brownie experience.

The peanut butter swirl adds an additional layer of texture and richness. For the best results, opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils, as it blends seamlessly into the batter. If you want to experiment, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great substitutes that will still offer a creamy swirl and a unique flavor profile.

Baking and Cooling Tips

Baking these brownies requires careful attention to timing. Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. The brownies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool. If you notice them cracking on the surface, it's a sign they might be overbaked. Aim for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with moist crumbs, rather than completely clean for that coveted fudgy texture.

Once out of the oven, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This cooling period is essential, as it allows the brownies to firm up and makes cutting easier without crumbling. For neatly sliced squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to maintain the perfect edges.

Serving and Storing

These brownies can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference. Pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent yet nutritious dessert experience. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top before serving for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that enhances the flavors beautifully.

For storage, keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. You can also freeze individual squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap; they keep well for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying again!

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Peanut Butter Swirl

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, peanut butter, honey, and eggs. Blend until smooth.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract.

Prepare for Baking

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.

Add Peanut Butter Swirl

Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top and use a knife to swirl it into the batter gently.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra richness, consider adding dark chocolate chips to the batter. They will melt slightly and create delightful pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to reduce sugar intake, replace honey or maple syrup with a sugar-free substitute like erythritol or a stevia blend. Just make sure to adjust the quantity according to the sweetness level of the substitute you're using. Additionally, if almond flour is not available, you can utilize oat flour or all-purpose flour instead, though the texture may differ slightly.

For a nut-free version, simply use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter. This will still provide a wonderful swirl and maintain the brownies’ moistness. If you're concerned about allergies, checking labels for cross-contamination with nuts is a wise step before proceeding.

Tips for the Best Swirl

To create that beautiful peanut butter swirl, I recommend heating the peanut butter in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Warm peanut butter is easier to drop and swirl into the brownie batter without it sinking. Use a gentle motion when swirling with a knife to maintain the marbled effect—you don’t want to mix it completely through the batter, as those lines of peanut butter are visually striking.

If you find that the peanut butter is too thick to swirl easily, you can mix in a teaspoon of coconut oil to loosen it. This tweak will help it blend smoothly while still giving that luscious swirl effect—enhancing both appearance and flavor contrast in each bite.

Scaling the Recipe

These brownies are versatile! If you wish to double the batch for a larger gathering, simply multiply all the ingredients by two and use a 9x13 inch baking pan instead. Just be sure to extend the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes, as the thicker batter will need a bit longer to set properly.

Alternatively, if you want to make a smaller batch, consider halving the recipe and using a smaller 8x8 inch pan. This will result in a thicker brownie, which can enhance the fudginess even more. Keep an eye on the baking time, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier to avoid overcooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the almond flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or any gluten-free flour if preferred.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

→ Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

You can replace eggs with flax eggs and substitute honey with maple syrup to make it vegan.