Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Cinnamon

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Cinnamon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Cinnamon when I want an indulgent yet guilt-free dessert. The creamy cottage cheese adds a moist texture while keeping the brownies surprisingly light. Sweetened with pure maple syrup and accented with warm cinnamon, they deliver a comforting flavor that’s synonymous with cozy nights. I find that sharing these with friends makes for a delightful treat, and their reaction to the secret ingredient always surprises them. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat that's both delicious and a little healthier.

Created by

Daisy Webb

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:37:16.487Z

These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Cinnamon have become a staple in my baking repertoire. The unique combination of cottage cheese gives the brownies a rich texture that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup wonderfully. I found that baking them at a lower temperature ensures a fudgy finish. It’s so satisfying to watch them rise to perfection!

One of my fondest memories is making these for a potluck, where they were gone within minutes. People were amazed that a dessert made with cottage cheese could be so delicious. I love sharing tips about how to incorporate healthier ingredients into traditional recipes, and these brownies are a perfect example.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Surprisingly moist and fudgy texture thanks to cottage cheese
Natural sweetness from maple syrup that elevates flavor
Warm cinnamon notes that make every bite comforting

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies, providing a unique moistness without the heaviness of traditional brownie recipes. Its creamy texture not only enhances the brownie base but also contributes protein, making it a more nutritious option. When pureed, the cottage cheese blends seamlessly into the batter, yielding a fudgy yet light consistency that will surprise your taste buds.

Moreover, choose low-fat cottage cheese if you're looking to lighten the recipe further without compromising on texture. The flavor of the cottage cheese is subtle, allowing the rich cocoa and sweet maple syrup to shine, while still packing in beneficial nutrients that traditional brownies often lack.

Sweetening Naturally

Using pure maple syrup not only sweetens these brownies naturally but also adds a depth of flavor and a hint of caramel undertones. Maple syrup is a liquid sweetener, so it hydrates the batter differently than granulated sugar would, contributing to the overall moisture. If you're looking for a lower glycemic option, consider using a sugar-free maple syrup alternative, but be aware that it might slightly alter the taste and consistency.

For those who prefer a more complex flavor, try experimenting with different varieties of maple syrup. From light to dark, each grade offers its unique notes, enhancing the brownies in delightful ways. Just remember to adjust the amount if you're swapping it for a sweeter alternative.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect brownie texture, it’s crucial not to overmix the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a cake-like texture rather than the desired fudgy outcome. Mix until just combined and allow the brownies to bake until the edges look set but the center remains slightly soft, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

For even baking, ensure your oven is fully preheated, and consider placing the pan in the center of the oven to avoid uneven heating. If you notice that your brownies might be browning too quickly on top, loosely tent them with aluminum foil halfway through the baking process to prevent over-baking while ensuring they remain moist inside.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Cottage Cheese Brownies with Maple Cinnamon:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

With these ingredients ready, let's move on to the next steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your luscious Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious brownies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider drizzling more maple syrup over the top before serving or adding walnuts for a crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a warm and cozy dessert, serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of temperatures adds an extra layer of satisfaction to each bite, melting in your mouth while providing a comforting sweetness.

Alternatively, drizzle a bit of additional maple syrup or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving to enhance flavors further. Pairing the brownies with fresh berries or nuts can also elevate presentation and taste, introducing textures that complement the moistness of the brownies perfectly.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To store these brownies, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can refrigerate them for about a week, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate their texture.

For longer storage, these brownies freeze beautifully! Cut them into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer—just thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours before enjoying, or microwave them briefly for a warm treat!

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your brownies by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to provide extra texture and flavor. For a fun twist, you might incorporate a swirl of peanut butter or nut butter through the batter before baking, which adds a delightful richness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Additionally, experimenting with spices can also yield exciting results. For instance, adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of espresso can deepen the flavor, making these brownies even more irresistible while keeping them delightfully indulgent yet guilt-free.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I make these brownies vegan?

Yes, use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and flax eggs instead of traditional eggs.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to three months.