Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Crumble

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Crumble
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

When I first decided to experiment with cottage cheese in desserts, I never expected to create something so indulgent yet surprisingly healthy. These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Crumble became a delightful surprise in our kitchen. They’re fudgy, rich, and the almond crumble on top adds a perfect crunch. I love how the protein from the cottage cheese balances the sweetness, making it a guilt-free treat. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for when the sweet cravings hit!

Created by

Veronica Miles

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:49:15.855Z

When I first baked these Cottage Cheese Brownies, I was skeptical about how cottage cheese would perform in a brownie. To my delight, the cottage cheese provided moisture and a distinct richness that complemented the chocolate perfectly. Baking them at a slightly lower temperature than regular brownies ensures they remain fudgy in the middle while achieving a slight crispy edge.

Another tip I discovered is to let the brownies cool completely before cutting them. This ensures that the texture sets beautifully and makes for cleaner slices. Trust me; they are even better on the second day, allowing the flavors to meld wonderfully!

        Why You’ll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor mixed with creamy cottage cheese goodness.
Almond crumble adds a delightful crunch to the soft brownie base.
Perfectly portioned for guilt-free snacking or dessert.

      

Mastering the Brownie Batter

The key to achieving a fudgy texture in these brownies lies in the blending of cottage cheese. Make sure to blend it until completely smooth before mixing it with the other wet ingredients. This not only enhances the moisture but also allows the protein to enrich the brownie without impacting the flavor profile. If you don't have a blender, a food processor works well too—aim for a texture similar to yogurt for the best results.

When incorporating dry ingredients, mix them in gradually rather than all at once. This helps prevent any lumps, ensuring a more uniform batter. The objective is to combine ingredients just until you no longer see dry flour or cocoa powder; over-mixing can lead to a cake-like texture instead of that coveted fudgy consistency.

Perfecting the Almond Crumble

The almond crumble not only adds texture but also provides a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate flavor of the brownies. Be sure to melt the butter first, as this ensures that the sugar and cinnamon adhere evenly to the almonds, creating a cohesive topping. You can also substitute with other nuts like walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile, but ensure they are chopped into similar-sized pieces for even distribution.

To elevate the crumble's flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a dash of vanilla extract for a more complex taste. If you're sensitive to sugar, you can experiment with sugar substitutes or even add a bit of finely grated lemon zest for a hint of brightness.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once your brownies have cooled, cutting them while they're still warm can make them extra gooey, but it's always best to wait for them to reach room temperature for cleaner cuts. A sharp knife dipped in hot water will help make the process easier. I always recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, as refrigeration could lead to a denser texture due to moisture loss.

If you want to enjoy these brownies later, consider freezing them. To do this, cut them into squares, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be easily thawed in the fridge overnight or warmed up in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This makes for a quick treat whenever you're hit with a sweet craving!

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

For the Almond Crumble

1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

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

Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth. Then, gradually add in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.

Prepare the Almond Crumble

In a separate bowl, mix the sliced almonds, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until the almonds are well coated.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Evenly sprinkle the almond crumble over the brownie batter. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious, gooey brownies with a crunchy topping!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Ingredient Variations

One of the strengths of this brownie recipe is its versatility. Instead of all-purpose flour, you can try using almond flour for a gluten-free option. This will bring a subtle nutty flavor, enhancing the almond crumble topping. Remember that almond flour absorbs more moisture, so you might need to adjust the liquid component slightly, possibly increasing the cottage cheese by a couple of tablespoons.

For a lower sugar variant, consider using unsweetened applesauce in place of half of the granulated sugar. This not only reduces calories but also adds moisture, making the brownies irresistibly soft. Just keep in mind that the chocolate's intensity may be slightly dulled, so opt for high-quality cocoa powder to maintain rich flavor.

Incorporating More Flavor

If you're looking to intensify the chocolate flavor, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter. This little addition amplifies the cocoa notes and brings depth without adding coffee flavor—perfect for chocolate lovers! Alternatively, a splash of strong brewed coffee works wonders as well.

For an extra twist, consider mixing in a swirl of creamy peanut butter on top of the brownie batter before baking. Simply dollop spoonfuls onto the batter and use a knife to create a marbled effect. This not only adds richness but also complements the almond crumble beautifully!

Common Troubleshooting

If you find that your brownies are turning out too dry, it may be due to over-baking. To avoid this, start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean, which indicates a fudgy texture.

Conversely, if your brownies seem to be undercooked in the middle, try rotating the pan halfway through baking—uneven heat can sometimes leave the edges baked while the middle remains gooey. Additionally, allowing the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing can help set their structure, preventing them from falling apart.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well and still maintains a creamy texture.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

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

→ Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use chopped dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor.

→ What can I serve with these brownies?

These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.