Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup whipped cream; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Ideas

I love experimenting with healthier desserts, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream have become one of my all-time favorites. The rich, fudgy texture of the brownies combined with the light, airy strawberry cream creates a delicious contrast that I can't resist. Not only do they satisfy my sweet tooth, but they also pack in some protein thanks to the cottage cheese. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual family dinner or a special celebration.

Created by

Tabitha Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:10:36.251Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was skeptical about the texture and flavor. However, the result was a delightful surprise! The added creaminess of the cottage cheese not only enriched the brownie batter but also kept them wonderfully moist. I learned that by blending the cottage cheese until smooth, I could achieve a luxurious consistency without overwhelming the chocolate flavor.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is the strawberry cream topping. I often use fresh strawberries for an extra burst of flavor, and the sweetness pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate base. It’s a light and refreshing contrast that elevates the entire dessert!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Decadent chocolate flavor with a surprising healthy twist
Creamy strawberry topping that adds a fruity freshness
Guilt-free indulgence perfect for any day of the week

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese in Brownies

Using cottage cheese in brownies may seem unconventional, but it adds a unique texture and boosts the protein content. When blended, the cottage cheese becomes smooth and creamy, integrating well into the batter. This not only results in a fudgy consistency but also helps keep the brownies moist without the need for excessive fat. You’ll notice that they remain soft and rich, ensuring that every bite is wonderfully satisfying.

Another advantage of cottage cheese is its mild flavor, which allows the chocolate to shine through without interference. The addition of cottage cheese can also make these brownies a bit denser, giving them a satisfying chewiness that pairs beautifully with the lightness of the strawberry cream. If you're looking for a different texture, consider using ricotta as a substitute; it will yield a slightly grainier texture but can still deliver a delicious result.

Perfecting the Strawberry Cream

The strawberry cream is the star that elevates these brownies, adding a refreshing contrast to their rich chocolate base. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor; they should be naturally sweet and vibrant. Pureeing the strawberries not only enhances their sweetness but also creates a smooth topping that balances the dense brownies seamlessly. If fresh strawberries are not in season, feel free to use frozen strawberries—just make sure they’re thawed and well-drained before pureeing.

To achieve the ideal consistency for your cream, ensure your whipped cream is freshly whipped to soft peaks. This will give the topping an airy texture that lightens the indulgence of the brownies. Mixing in the strawberry puree with gentle folds will help maintain that fluffy quality. If you want to add a twist, consider mixing in a splash of lemon juice or zest for an added zing that will further enhance the strawberry flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream.

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Strawberry Cream Ingredients

1 cup whipped cream
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you're ready to start making these delightful brownies!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream.

Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a blender, combine the cottage cheese and sugar, blending until smooth. Then, add cocoa powder, flour, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt, and blend again until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into a greased 8x8 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan.

Make the Strawberry Cream

In a medium bowl, combine the whipped cream, pureed strawberries, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until evenly combined.

Assemble the Dessert

Once the brownies have cooled, cut them into squares and top each piece with a generous dollop of strawberry cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Cream as a sweet treat!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, you can sprinkle some sea salt on top of the strawberry cream just before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be prepared in advance, making them an excellent option for meal prep or special occasions. Once baked and cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. When storing, ensure they are wrapped well to prevent them from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge.

If you're planning a gathering, you can prepare the brownies a day ahead of time. Just make sure to wait on the strawberry cream until shortly before serving to keep it fresh. You can even prepare the cream earlier in the day and refrigerate it—just give it a gentle stir before dolloping onto the brownies to restore its airy texture.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize your brownies with a variety of mix-ins or flavors. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can introduce a delightful crunch, while a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the richness of the chocolate. If you're a fan of peanut butter, incorporating some into the brownie batter or as a swirl before baking can create a tasty combination that adds depth to the flavor profile.

For different flavored creams, consider using other berries such as raspberries or blueberries, adjusting the puree quantity accordingly to maintain the cream's consistency. You could also play around with infused whipped creams, like adding a touch of mint extract for a refreshing twist. These variations will not only maintain the essence of the original recipe but also allow you to make this dessert unique to your tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a similar texture and taste.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What other fruits can I use for the cream?

You can use blueberries, raspberries, or any fruit you like!