Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Almond Topping

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Almond Topping
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/4 cup maple syrup

Highlighted under: Golden Cooking

I absolutely love these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Almond Topping! They strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and a light, creamy texture, making them my go-to dessert for any occasion. The addition of maple-almond topping elevates these brownies to a new level of indulgence. What I enjoy most is how they satisfy my sweet tooth without making me feel overly guilty. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe, and each time I make it, they disappear within minutes!

Created by

Camille Norwood

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:54:36.261Z

Creating these Cottage Cheese Brownies was a delightful experiment in the kitchen. I wanted to combine the traditional brownie texture with the wholesome goodness of cottage cheese, and the result was beyond my expectations. By using cottage cheese, the brownies come out incredibly moist while still packing in that chocolatey flavor we crave.

The maple almond topping adds a wonderful crunch and a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the brownies. I found that toasting the almonds just a touch before topping them enhances their flavor tremendously. It’s these little details that make such a big difference in the final dish!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cottage cheese
Maple almond topping adds an irresistible crunch
Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt

      

Ingredient Insights

The star ingredient in these brownies is cottage cheese, which not only adds moisture but also contributes a unique creaminess and protein boost. When blended smoothly into the batter, it creates a delightful contrast with the rich cocoa flavor. For those avoiding dairy, you can substitute with silken tofu, which mimics the texture without compromising on flavor. Just make sure to blend it well to reach a creamy consistency for optimal results.

Sugar acts as a crucial sweetener, balancing the bitterness of the cocoa powder. For a healthier alternative, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly. If you opt for a low-calorie sweetener, ensure it’s a 1:1 ratio substitute to maintain the correct sweetness and moisture levels.

Baking Techniques

A key technique for these brownies is not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the desired light and gooey texture. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula until just combined. You’ll know it’s ready when there are no visible flour streaks left, but a few small lumps are fine.

When you bake the brownies, keep an eye on them in the last few minutes. Ovens can vary in temperature, and underbaking just a tad can lead to fudgy centers. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly in the pan after you take them out.

Ingredients

Let’s gather the ingredients needed for these delicious brownies before we get started!

Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Maple Almond Topping

1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup maple syrup

Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Cottage Cheese Brownies.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, sugar, cocoa powder, flour, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Topping

While the brownies are baking, toast the sliced almonds in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until light golden. Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup.

Top the Brownies

Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the maple almond topping over the brownies and spread it evenly.

Cut and Serve

Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Almond Topping!

Your Cottage Cheese Brownies are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the maple almond layer before serving. It enhances the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for entertaining. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their texture. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week—just allow them to come to room temperature before serving, so they soften slightly.

For longer storage, consider freezing the brownies. Cut them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and bring them back to room temperature before indulging.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dessert experience, serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the cold ice cream against the warm, fudgy brownies is simply divine. Drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top for added sweetness and a lovely presentation.

Another fun way to serve these brownies is to transform them into a sundae by layering them with your favorite toppings like crushed nuts, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This not only looks appealing but also adds diverse textures and flavors that enhance the overall dessert experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with another ingredient?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as an alternative for a similar texture.

→ How can I store leftover brownies?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months.

→ What can I use instead of maple syrup?

Agave syrup or honey can also work well as substitutes.