Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cherry Pieces

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cherry Pieces
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh or frozen cherry pieces

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love experimenting with healthier dessert options, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cherry Pieces have become a new favorite in my kitchen. The addition of cottage cheese not only adds moisture but also ups the protein content without compromising on flavor. The sweet, tart cherries blend beautifully with the rich chocolate base, making each bite feel indulgent yet satisfying. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, especially when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:31:08.633Z

When I first decided to create these Cottage Cheese Brownies, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese in desserts. However, the results were astonishing! The brownies turned out wonderfully moist and the cottage cheese provided a subtle tang that complemented the chocolate perfectly. I also discovered that incorporating cherry pieces not only added a delightful fruitiness but also visual appeal.

Using a food processor to blend the cottage cheese until smooth makes all the difference, ensuring a velvety texture in the brownies. I highly recommend folding in the cherry pieces gently just before baking to keep their integrity, allowing them to burst with juiciness in every bite!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Moist and rich with a healthy twist
Sweet cherries bursting with flavor
Perfect for a guilt-free indulgence

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a pivotal role in these brownies, acting as a unique source of moisture while also giving a protein boost. Unlike typical brownie recipes that rely solely on butter or oil for richness, blending cottage cheese creates a creamy texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel. When you blend it until smooth, it seamlessly integrates into the batter, ensuring no lumps will disturb the final product.

Another benefit of using cottage cheese is its low-fat profile, making it an excellent alternative for those looking to cut calories without sacrificing flavor. This ingredient also contributes a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the cherries, creating a more complex flavor that makes each bite worthwhile.

Choosing the Right Cherries

Whether you opt for fresh or frozen cherries, selecting ripe, high-quality fruit will significantly enhance the flavor of your brownies. Fresh cherries should have a deep red color, firm texture, and a sweet aroma. If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the batter too watery. This is crucial, as too much moisture can affect the brownies’ texture and baking time.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with cherry varieties! Tart cherries work beautifully if you enjoy a pronounced tartness, while sweeter varieties can create a more balanced dish, especially when combined with the rich chocolate flavor of the brownies.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious brownies:

Brownie Mixture

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen cherry pieces

Make sure you have everything ready before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Fold in the Cherries

Gently fold in the cherry pieces to the brownie batter.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Cottage Cheese Brownies!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a tablespoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients.

Storage Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they will last about a week. The cold environment will also enhance their fudgy texture, making them even more enjoyable on hot days.

If you want to make these brownies ahead of time for a gathering, consider freezing them. Cut the cooled brownies into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months; simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Troubleshooting Texture Issues

If your brownies turn out too dry, ensure you’re measuring your flour accurately; using too much can lead to a crumbly texture. Instead of packing the flour into the measuring cup, spoon it in lightly and level off with a knife. This small adjustment can lead to a perfect fudgy brownie texture.

Conversely, if you find your brownies are overly moist when sliced, it could be due to underbaking. Make sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If necessary, bake them a few minutes longer while keeping an eye on the edges to prevent overcooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works perfectly fine in this recipe without compromising the taste.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I replace the cherries with another fruit?

Absolutely! Raspberries or diced strawberries can be great alternatives for this recipe.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

You can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.