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 honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Soft Favorites

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash for a delightful treat that feels indulgent yet healthy. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and ripe bananas creates a rich, moist texture that I find irresistible. As a bonus, these brownies are easy to whip up and require minimal ingredients. It's a perfect way to use up overripe bananas while indulging in something sweet and satisfying. Trust me, once you try them, they will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Created by

Celia Winterbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:08:38.750Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in desserts, I was surprised by how well it complemented sweets like these brownies. The creamy texture not only enhances the moisture but also adds a nutritious twist. I love how the natural sweetness of the bananas pairs beautifully with the slight tang of the cottage cheese, resulting in a satisfying, delicious dessert.

For this recipe, I found that using just ripe bananas can truly enhance the flavor and sweetness of the brownies. Make sure to mash them well to incorporate them seamlessly into the batter. These brownies store wonderfully, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

        You'll Love These Brownies Because
        Creamy texture that’s rich yet light
Natural sweetness from ripe bananas
A healthier twist on traditional brownies

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a crucial role in these brownies, providing moisture and a creamy texture that enriches the overall mouthfeel. Its high protein content also means you're indulging in a treat that's more nutritious than traditional brownies. When blended with the bananas, it creates a velvety mixture that helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in a chewy yet light texture.

When choosing cottage cheese, opt for a smooth variety rather than curd-heavy versions. This will ensure that the batter remains silky without unwanted lumps. If you're looking for a lower-fat option, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but avoid fat-free as it may alter the texture and flavor.

Banana Substitutions and Ripeness

The bananas in this recipe not only sweeten the brownies naturally but also contribute to their moistness. For the best results, always use overripe bananas with brown spots, as their sweetness is maximized at this stage. If you find yourself short on ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce can serve as a great alternative in a 1:1 ratio, adding moisture while still keeping the brownies tender.

To ensure that your bananas integrate seamlessly, mash them thoroughly until they are mostly smooth. This helps prevent any chunks from interfering with the brownie texture. If you prefer a stronger banana flavor, you can even incorporate banana extract, but keep in mind to reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup slightly to maintain balance.

Cooling and Storing Brownies

Once you pull your brownies from the oven, it’s vital to let them cool completely in the pan. This allows them to set and achieve that perfect fudgy consistency. I recommend cooling them on a wire rack if you have one, as it helps prevent sogginess from steam trapped beneath.

For storage, keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If you'd like to store them for longer, they freeze beautifully! Cut them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying your treats!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash:

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

With these ingredients ready, you are set to create some delightful brownies!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish by greasing it with a little oil or lining it with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir them together until the mixture is well-blended and smooth.

Add the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting them into squares.

Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with Banana Mash, perfect for any time of day!

Pro Tips

For extra indulgence, consider adding chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips into the mixture before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein. Drizzle with a bit of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch. Alternatively, they pair wonderfully with fresh berries, adding a contrast in flavor and texture.

For an indulgent twist, consider melting dark chocolate and drizzling it over the cooled brownies. This not only makes them look stunning when serving guests but also adds another layer of rich chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the banana.

Making Variations

Feel free to customize these brownies according to your taste or dietary preferences. You can mix in chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness or fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can also be a fun addition for a chewy texture.

For a plant-based version, replace honey with maple syrup and ensure that the cottage cheese is substituted with a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cheese, which will provide similar creaminess. Adjust the sweetness to taste, as plant-based sweeteners may vary in intensity.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your brownies come out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined, and let the baking soda do its job. You can also check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, as incorrect temperatures can lead to undesired texture and consistency.

If the brownies seem too dry after baking, make sure your bananas are ripe enough, as they contribute crucial moisture. Additionally, keep an eye on the baking time; removing them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs is ideal for achieving that fudgy center.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works perfectly well and will still yield tasty brownies.

→ How long do these brownies last?

Sealed tightly, they can last up to a week in the fridge or a couple of months in the freezer.

→ Can I substitute the flour?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the brownies.

→ Are these brownies suitable for a vegan diet?

If you substitute the cottage cheese with a vegan option, such as tofu, and use maple syrup, they can be made vegan.