Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Glaze

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon milk

Highlighted under: Baked Food

I absolutely adore these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Glaze! The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich cocoa gives these brownies a delightful texture and flavor that's hard to resist. I love how the maple glaze adds a sweet, caramel-like finish that elevates the entire dessert. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, making them a perfect treat for any gathering. Trust me, once you try these brownies, you'll want to whip them up every chance you get!

Created by

Philippa Grantley

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:32:54.489Z

When I first experimented with using cottage cheese in brownies, I was amazed at how the texture turned out! It made them incredibly moist while still achieving the rich, chocolatey flavor we all love. I found that blending the cottage cheese until smooth before adding it to the batter really helps to achieve that creamy consistency without any lumps.

The maple glaze is a game changer too. It adds a perfect touch of sweetness that complements the chocolate beautifully. I suggest drizzling it generously over the cooled brownies for the ultimate indulgence.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cottage cheese
Decadent maple glaze that adds a unique sweetness
Perfectly moist and fudgy texture in every bite

Understanding Your Ingredients

The cottage cheese in this brownie recipe serves a dual purpose: it not only adds moisture but also contributes to the fudgy texture we crave in a brownie. Unlike traditional recipes that rely on butter, the cottage cheese offers a healthier fat option while still keeping each bite rich. For a vegan variation, you could substitute the cottage cheese with silken tofu, blending it until smooth, which maintains that creamy consistency that complements the cocoa beautifully.

Using unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for balancing the sweetness of the glaze and the granulated sugar in the batter. I recommend opting for high-quality cocoa, as it significantly impacts the overall flavor profile—look for brands that list 'natural' cocoa when possible. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter for richer taste.

Perfecting the Baking Process

When baking the brownies, keep an eye on the oven around the 25-minute mark. You want to remove them as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached. The visual cue of slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan will also help you determine doneness, ensuring a moist interior without becoming overbaked and dry.

After baking, it's crucial to let the brownies cool in the pan. This step solidifies the structure, making them easier to cut into squares. If you’re in a hurry, you can transfer the pan to a wire rack to speed up the cooling process. Just be cautious—removing them from the pan while still warm can cause the brownies to crumble.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Maple Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan. In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, cocoa powder, flour, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth and well combined.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Make the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. You can adjust the thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Glaze the Brownies

Once the brownies are cool, drizzle the maple glaze over the top evenly. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking.

Glazing and Presentation Tips

For the maple glaze, achieving the right consistency is key. If it's too thick, it won't drizzle nicely; too thin and it won't cling to the brownies. Start with the recommended amounts of powdered sugar and maple syrup, then slowly add milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach a smooth, pourable glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Remember, the glaze will set slightly as it cools, so apply it while still slightly runny.

Consider garnishing your glazed brownies with a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor contrast. Toasted pecans or walnuts work exceptionally well with the maple glaze, enhancing the overall taste experience. These additional elements not only elevate the presentation but also make each bite even more delightful.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your brownies are glazed and ready to serve, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you'd like to keep them longer, consider placing them in the refrigerator, where they will last about a week due to the moisture from the cottage cheese. To bring them back to room temperature before serving, simply let them sit out for about 30 minutes.

These brownies are incredibly versatile—try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert. The contrast between the warm fudge-like brownie and the cold ice cream creates a heavenly experience. Alternatively, you can enjoy them plain or with a dollop of whipped cream, letting the rich flavors shine on their own.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

→ Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

You can use honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different.