Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash
Highlighted under: Oven Recipes
I couldn’t believe how delicious these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash turned out! As a fan of healthy baking, I wanted to create a dessert that doesn’t just satisfy my sweet tooth but also incorporates nutritious ingredients. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and ripe bananas results in brownies that are not only moist but also packed with flavor. With just a hint of chocolate, these brownies are a guilt-free treat that I love to whip up when I'm craving something sweet without the heavy calories.
When I first experimented with Cottage Cheese Brownies, I was skeptical about whether the texture would work. To my delight, the buttery smoothness of the cottage cheese paired with the natural sweetness of bananas created an incredibly rich and satisfying treat. I found that baking them at a slightly lower temperature allowed them to retain that gooey center while achieving a crispy edge that I love.
One of my favorite tips is to ensure your bananas are super ripe for maximum sweetness. If you have bananas that are starting to brown, don’t throw them out—save them for this recipe! It truly elevates the brownies and keeps them moist. I often top them with a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect contrast!
Why You Will Love These Brownies
- Rich chocolate flavor enhanced by banana sweetness
- Nutritious ingredients that make guilt-free indulgence possible
- Moist texture with a perfect fudgy center
Understanding the Ingredients
The key to achieving the perfect texture in these Cottage Cheese Brownies is the use of cottage cheese itself. Not only does it add moisture, but it also contributes a richness that can replace more traditional fats like butter. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, consolidated silken tofu can work in a pinch, imparting a similar creaminess without the added calories of heavier ingredients.
Bananas serve a dual purpose in this recipe: they provide natural sweetness and enhance the fudgy texture of the brownies. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. If bananas aren’t your favorite, unsweetened applesauce can be an excellent substitute, offering moisture without the banana flavor.
Baking Tips for Success
For consistent results, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use kitchen scales for items like cottage cheese and flour for precision, leading to a balanced batter. When mixing, take care not to overmix after combining the wet and dry ingredients; this can result in denser brownies rather than the desired fudgy texture.
After baking, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before attempting to cut them. This cooling process allows them to firm up, making it easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling. If you want to ensure the best flavor, consider refrigerating them overnight, which can enhance the chocolate flavors and the overall texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Mix all ingredients thoroughly before baking.
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine and Bake
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy brownies!
Pro Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. You can also experiment by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture!
Serving Suggestions
These Cottage Cheese Brownies are delightful on their own, but for an extra special touch, try serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast. Fresh berries on top can also add a splash of color and brightness, elevating the presentation and flavor profile.
Another option is to sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking. This adds a nice crunch and additional depth of flavor. Just be cautious not to overload the batter with too many nuts, as it may affect the final texture.
Storage and Freezing
Store your cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, where they'll last for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If you wish to freeze these brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain their quality for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or allow them to sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for a similar texture.
→ How should I store the brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Place them in a freezer-safe container and they’ll last up to 3 months.
→ What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave syrup are great alternatives for a vegan option.
Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash
I couldn’t believe how delicious these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash turned out! As a fan of healthy baking, I wanted to create a dessert that doesn’t just satisfy my sweet tooth but also incorporates nutritious ingredients. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and ripe bananas results in brownies that are not only moist but also packed with flavor. With just a hint of chocolate, these brownies are a guilt-free treat that I love to whip up when I'm craving something sweet without the heavy calories.
Created by: Greer Montgomery
Recipe Type: Oven Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 brownies
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Extra Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. You can also experiment by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 4g