Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies

Name: Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/4 cup chopped almonds; 2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes

I absolutely love indulging in sweet treats without the guilt, and these Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies hit the spot! They are rich, fudgy, and incredibly satisfying, with a delightful hint of coconut and almond flavor. I crafted this recipe to incorporate cottage cheese for added protein while still satisfying my chocolate cravings. Making them is a breeze, and the result is perfect for any occasion, whether you're treating yourself or sharing with friends. Trust me, once you try them, they will become a pantry staple!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:24:52.320Z

Every time I bake these decadent brownies, I am reminded of my childhood favorites from the candy aisle. The twist here is the addition of cottage cheese, which provides moisture and a great texture without compromising on taste. I remember the first time I made them—I was blown away by how well the flavors melded together. It’s an innovative way to sneak in some protein too!

Using almond extract instead of vanilla underscores that irresistible Almond Joy flavor. The first bite reveals a rich chocolate brownie with a hint of coconut that truly transports me back. I recommend letting them cool completely before slicing for clean edges—they’re even better the next day!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Chocolatey goodness combined with creamy cottage cheese for a guilt-free treat
Rich coconut flavor reminiscent of classic Almond Joy bars
Easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers

      

Achieving the Perfect Brownie Texture

One of the key aspects of these Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies is achieving that rich, fudgy texture. Blending cottage cheese into the brownie base not only adds protein but also contributes to a moist texture. When mixing, ensure that the ingredients are blended until they are completely smooth, as any lumps from the cottage cheese can affect the final consistency. A high-speed blender or food processor works best for this task.

It's important to monitor the baking time closely. After 25 minutes, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If baked too long, the brownies can dry out, losing that desired fudginess. If you find your edges are browning quickly, you can cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Customizing Your Brownies

Feel free to get creative with the toppings of your brownies! While the combination of shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and chocolate chips is delightful, you can substitute or add other ingredients based on your preferences. For example, swapping out the almonds for walnuts or adding a swirl of peanut butter on top will give a unique flavor twist. Remember to keep the same quantities for the toppings to maintain the balance.

Another variation to consider is adding a splash of coffee or espresso powder to the batter. This won't impart a strong coffee flavor but will enhance the richness of the cocoa. Just a teaspoon mixed in with the other ingredients can elevate the chocolate experience and deepen the overall flavor profile without being overpowering.

Ingredients

Brownie Base

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup chopped almonds
2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Instructions

Steps

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, almond butter, cocoa powder, honey, eggs, almond extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Pour and Add Toppings

Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and chocolate chips evenly on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until set. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking for an added flavor boost. These brownies store well in an airtight container for up to a week!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. After they have cooled completely, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for about 3 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer a chilled dessert, putting them in the fridge can intensify their fudgy texture and provide a refreshing bite.

For longer storage, consider freezing the brownies. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. These can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or microwave them for a few seconds for that just-baked feeling.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies are coming out too dense, a common culprit may be overmixing the batter after adding the eggs. Mix just until combined to maintain a light, fudgy texture. If you find your brownies are too dry, it could be that they were baked too long or your oven temperature is off. I recommend using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.

Another issue could arise with the cocoa powder. The quality and type of cocoa powder can dramatically alter the flavor of your brownies. If you are using Dutch-processed cocoa, it might not provide the same intense chocolate flavor as natural cocoa powder. For best results, stick with a high-quality natural cocoa powder to achieve that deep chocolate essence that complements the almond and coconut flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your cocoa powder and almond butter are certified gluten-free, these brownies are gluten-free.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Definitely! You can freeze these brownies for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to experiment with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of peanut butter for extra flavor!