Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup oats; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Baking Ideas

I love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash because they perfectly balance indulgence and health. The creamy cottage cheese combined with ripe bananas creates a rich, moist texture that elevates them above your typical brownie. I enjoy experimenting with my favorite flavors by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a hint of vanilla. The best part is that they come together quickly, making them a fantastic last-minute dessert option for family gatherings or just a cozy night in!

Created by

Sophie Adams

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:12:37.733Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was pleasantly surprised at how creamy they turned out. The banana mash not only adds natural sweetness but also helps to bind the ingredients together. I discovered that using overripe bananas enhances the flavor, making the brownies even more delightful.

During my kitchen experiments, I found that baking them at a slightly lower temperature ensures they cook evenly without drying out. This little trick has made my brownies the star of every gathering!

What You'll Love About These Brownies
Healthier twist on traditional brownies with added protein
Naturally sweet from ripe bananas without added sugars
Moist and fudgy texture that satisfies any chocolate craving

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredient in these brownies is cottage cheese, which adds a delightful creaminess while boosting the protein content. When blended properly, it transforms into a smooth mixture that mimics the texture found in traditional brownie batters. Choosing full-fat cottage cheese will result in a richer flavor, while low-fat options can lighten the dish without compromising the overall texture. Make sure to blend the cottage cheese until it's velvety to avoid any curdy bits in your brownies.

Ripe bananas play a crucial role not only in sweetening the brownies naturally but also in enhancing moisture. The browner the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be, so don’t hesitate to use ones with plenty of brown spots. If you find yourself without ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a few days or baking them in their skins at a low temperature until they're soft.

Oats serve as a great gluten-free alternative to traditional flour in this recipe. They not only add texture but also contribute to the chewy consistency that many love in brownies. Be sure to use quick oats for a finer texture, or blend rolled oats slightly to create a more flour-like quality. This substitution helps bind the ingredients together and keeps the brownie dense and fudgy.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

For best results, ensure that your oven temperature is accurate by using an oven thermometer. Baking at 350°F (175°C) is ideal for creating that perfect balance of a moist interior and slightly crispy crust. If you notice uneven cooking, consider rotating the baking dish halfway through the baking time. This way, the edges won’t overbake while the center remains undercooked.

When it comes to cooling, allowing the brownies to rest in the pan will make them easier to slice without falling apart. After about 10 minutes, you can lift them out using parchment paper for completely cooling on a wire rack. This step is essential as it helps to set the brownies, ensuring they hold their shape once cut.

If you prefer a more visual cue, keep an eye on the edges of the brownies; they should appear slightly puffed and may pull away from the sides of the dish when they're close to being done. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean, as this indicates they could dry out.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start baking:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Once you have everything ready, you can easily combine the ingredients.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, cocoa powder, oats, honey, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips if you're using them. This adds a delightful melty surprise in each bite.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until set.

Cool and Cut

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting them into squares.

Enjoy your fudgy brownies warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding walnuts or pecans to the batter. You can also top the baked brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Serving and Storing

These brownies are delightful on their own but can be elevated with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert. Drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts just before serving for added texture and flavor. They can also be cut into smaller squares for bite-sized treats, making them perfect for parties or potlucks.

For storage, keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Alternatively, these brownies freeze well. Just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

If you find yourself with leftover brownies, consider using them in a parfait by layering with yogurt and fresh fruit. This not only helps you finish up the brownies but also gives you a unique twist on breakfast or a healthy snack option!

Variations and Customization

Feel free to personalize these brownies with your favorite mix-ins. Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can add a lovely crunch, while dried fruits like cherries or blueberries complement the sweetness of the bananas. You can also experiment with flavor extracts—consider adding almond or mint extract for a different flavor profile that pairs well with chocolate.

For those who want a little extra indulgence, try swirling in a layer of nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, before baking. This not only amplifies the protein content but also creates a beautiful marbled effect. Just take care not to over-mix, so that you maintain distinct swirls for visual appeal.

Finally, if you're looking to reduce the sugar even further, you can substitute some of the honey or maple syrup with additional mashed banana. This will slightly alter the texture but can still yield delicious outcomes with a very subtle banana flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! These brownies freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey if you're looking for a vegan option.