Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Glaze

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I can't express how excited I am to share my Cottage Cheese Brownies with Strawberry Glaze with you! These brownies are not just any ordinary treat; they are incredibly moist and rich while being lighter on calories thanks to cottage cheese. The strawberry glaze adds a fresh and fruity finish that perfectly balances the chocolatey goodness. I've actually made these for gatherings, and they always disappear quickly, leaving everyone wanting more. Trust me, once you try them, you'll want to make them again and again!

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:28:10.799Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in brownies, I was amazed by how it transformed the texture. Using cottage cheese instead of butter or oil not only keeps the brownies moist but also adds a layer of richness without the extra calories. I paired it with rich cocoa powder to create a balanced dessert that feels indulgent yet isn’t too heavy.

The addition of the strawberry glaze was an afterthought I had while preparing these brownies, and it turned out to be a game-changer. The fresh sweetness of strawberries contrasts so beautifully with the brownies, and I encourage you to use fresh strawberries whenever possible for the best flavor!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry glaze
Moist yet light texture that satisfies your sweet tooth
A delightful combination that's perfect for any occasion

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese might seem like an unconventional ingredient in brownies, but it plays a crucial role in creating a moist texture while reducing the overall fat content. The proteins in cottage cheese not only enhance the brownie’s structure but also contribute to a rich mouthfeel. If you’re unsure about the texture, blend the cottage cheese until smooth to fully incorporate it into the batter, ensuring an even distribution throughout the brownies.

Opting for low-fat or even fat-free cottage cheese can help lighten these brownies further without sacrificing flavor. Just remember to check the consistency—the more liquid the cottage cheese, the wetter your batter will be. If you find it too runny, consider slightly reducing the eggs or flour to maintain the right brownie thickness.

Perfecting the Strawberry Glaze

The strawberry glaze adds an essential layer of freshness to the rich chocolate brownies. For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet strawberries when making the puree. Overripe or under ripe strawberries can lead to an imbalance of sweetness and acidity. Blend them until completely smooth for a silky glaze; chunky texture could detract from the brownie experience.

Feel free to experiment with the lemon juice in the glaze. A touch more can enhance the tartness and brightness, balancing the sweetness in the glaze. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries thawed and pureed are a perfect substitute. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing in the sugar to maintain a proper glaze consistency.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These brownies not only taste fantastic but also look stunning with the vibrant strawberry glaze. For a special presentation, cut them into bite-sized squares and serve them on a tiered cake stand at your next gathering. Garnishing with additional fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate their appearance further.

When it comes to storage, keep the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, they can also be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are fully cooled and wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, ensuring your strawberry glaze stays fresh and vibrant.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Glaze

1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, cocoa powder, flour, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well-blended, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.

Make the Strawberry Glaze

While the brownies are cooling, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a small bowl, mix the pureed strawberries, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until well combined. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.

Glaze the Brownies

Once the brownies are completely cool, drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top. Allow it to set before cutting into squares and serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra decadent touch, try adding chopped dark chocolate or nuts to the brownie batter before baking. If strawberries are out of season, feel free to use frozen strawberries or another berry of your choice for the glaze.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find your brownies haven't set properly after baking, it could be due to an underestimation of oven temperature or incorrect baking time. Always use an oven thermometer if you suspect your oven’s accuracy. Additionally, if the toothpick test shows wet batter, don’t hesitate to extend the baking time in increments of 5 minutes until perfect.

Another common issue is brownies that are too dense or gummy. This usually stems from overmixing the batter or adding too much liquid from the cottage cheese. To counteract this, fold your ingredients gently until just combined and avoid any additional mixing once you've incorporated the dry ingredients.

Ingredient Variations

For those with dietary restrictions, consider swapping out regular sugar for coconut sugar or a granulated sugar substitute to make them lower in calories. Just note that the texture and sweetness may vary, so adjust the quantities accordingly. If you require gluten-free brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, ensuring you check that it includes a binding agent.

To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips or nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter, providing a delightful crunch against the soft brownie texture. If you're feeling adventurous, spices like cinnamon or a hint of espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor and add a unique twist.

Scaling the Recipe

If you want to make a larger batch for a party or special event, you can easily double this recipe. Simply use a 13x9-inch pan for even baking. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may increase slightly—check for doneness starting at the 35-minute mark.

Conversely, if you’re looking to make a smaller batch, halving the ingredients should work perfectly fine. Use a smaller 8x8-inch pan, but be aware that the bake time may decrease, so check for doneness around the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works just as well and will keep the brownies light.

→ How can I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for cocoa powder?

You can use carob powder as a substitute, but the flavor will differ slightly.