Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Glaze

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or regular); 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Highlighted under: Baked Food

I had been curious about using cottage cheese in baked goods, so I decided to experiment with brownies. The combination of rich cocoa and the creamy texture of cottage cheese sounded intriguing. When I finally took my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised by the moistness and the subtle hint of maple from the glaze. It's a delightful twist on a classic treat that keeps you coming back for more, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Created by

Philippa Grantley

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:10:37.144Z

When I first tried cottage cheese brownies, I was skeptical, but they turned out to be a revelation. I used low-fat cottage cheese to cut down on calories without losing moisture, and it worked beautifully. The brownies were incredibly fudgy, and the added maple glaze was the perfect finishing touch. Be sure to let them cool before slicing, as this helps them set and makes cutting easier.

I recommend trying variations by adding nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that extra layer of flavor. The combination of textures keeps each bite interesting, making these brownies a favorite in my household!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cottage cheese
Delightfully moist and fudgy texture
Naturally sweetened with a delectable maple glaze
Great for gatherings or a cozy night in

The Secret of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese not only adds a unique creaminess to these brownies but also keeps them incredibly moist. This ingredient's high protein content contributes to a richer texture without drying out the brownies. When blended smoothly with the other wet ingredients, it creates a velvety batter that results in fudgy, decadent brownies. Using low-fat cottage cheese is a great alternative if you're looking to cut down on calories, and it still holds up well in this recipe.

If you're curious about flavor variations, consider using flavored cottage cheese. A chive or jalapeno bean variety could bring an unexpected twist, but I recommend sticking to plain cottage cheese for the best chocolate experience. Keep an eye on the blending process; over-blending can incorporate too much air, leading to cakier brownies instead of the desired fudgy result.

Perfecting the Maple Glaze

The maple glaze adds a delightful sweetness that complements the rich chocolate flavor of the brownies. For the best results, ensure you use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup, as the latter contains additives that can affect the glaze's texture and flavor. When combining the glaze ingredients, start with the lower amount of milk to achieve a thick yet pourable consistency; you can always add more if needed.

Make sure to pour the glaze over the brownies while they’re still warm for better adhesion. Let the glaze set slightly before cutting into squares; this will allow the glaze to firm up a bit without sacrificing that delicious drizzle. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious cottage cheese brownies:

For the Brownies

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

For the Maple Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Make sure to have everything handy for a smooth baking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your scrumptious brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the blended wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the brownies are baking, in a bowl, mix together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to achieve a drizzle consistency.

Glaze the Brownies

Once the brownies have cooled for about 10 minutes, pour the maple glaze over the top and let it set.

Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Let the brownies cool completely for best texture before cutting.

Pro Tips

You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. For a fun twist, try substituting the maple glaze with a chocolate ganache!

Storage Tips

To maintain the brownies' moisture and freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you plan to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life up to a week. Just be sure to allow them to come back to room temperature before serving, as this enhances their flavor profile.

Freezing is also a viable option! Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them gently before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These cottage cheese brownies shine on their own, but they also pair beautifully with various toppings. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast, while a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries could elevate the presentation. For added crunch, try sprinkling some chopped nuts or toasted coconut over the glaze before it sets.

For a more indulgent dessert, consider serving the brownies with a drizzle of hot fudge or chocolate sauce, which can enhance the chocolate flavor and provide a luxurious mouthfeel. You can also experiment by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the glaze for a sweet-salty combination that is sure to impress.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fat-free cottage cheese?

Yes, fat-free cottage cheese can be used, but may result in slightly drier brownies.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can be a good substitute for the glaze.