Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies
These fudgy, chewy brownies are secretly high-protein thanks to blended cottage cheese and whey. Made in a blender and one bowl, they’re easy to clean up, easy to love, and taste just like your favorite chocolate dessert — only smarter.
Equipment
- Blender for cottage cheese mixture
- Mixing bowl for dry ingredients
- Spatula for folding batter
- 8-inch square baking pan lined with parchment
- Parchment paper for lining the pan
- Toothpick to test doneness
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or full fat)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup neutral oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup oat flour or finely ground quick oats
- 1 scoop whey protein (25–30 g), chocolate or vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
- In a blender, blend cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in chocolate chips. Batter will be thick and glossy.
- Spread batter into pan. Top with extra chips if desired.
- Bake for 22–26 minutes. Look for moist crumbs on a toothpick — not wet batter. Center will firm as it cools.
- Cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Lift with parchment, slice into 12 squares, and enjoy warm or chilled.
Notes
If using plant-based protein, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to prevent dryness. Oat flour makes these chewy, but all-purpose flour works if you reduce the protein powder slightly. Brush the top with warm maple syrup out of the oven for a glossy finish. For a dairy-free version, swap in dairy-free alternatives for the cheese, butter, and protein.