Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies

Name: Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup coconut flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup melted coconut oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 cup chopped almonds; 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate; Extra crushed almonds for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love creating delicious treats, and these Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies are a perfect example of my passion. Combining my love for coconut and chocolate, I set out to make a healthier version of the classic brownie. The addition of cottage cheese adds protein and moisture, making these brownies satisfyingly rich without feeling too heavy. Each bite captures the essence of the classic Almond Joy candy bar, and I can’t get enough of the taste and texture I’ve created here.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:30:32.110Z

As a self-proclaimed brownie enthusiast, I was eager to experiment with cottage cheese in a dessert. After mixing up my usual brownie recipe, I found the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key was to blend the cottage cheese until smooth, ensuring it melted seamlessly into the batter while providing a delightful creaminess.

When I took my first bite, I was thrilled to find the coconut and almond flavors shining through. I decided to top the brownies with a sprinkle of crushed almonds and a drizzle of chocolate for that authentic Almond Joy experience. Trust me; these brownies are a new favorite in my house!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor combined with creamy cottage cheese
Delicious hint of coconut that complements the chocolate
Less guilt with higher protein content for a satisfying treat

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a vital role in these brownies, lending moisture and a protein boost. When blended until smooth, it integrates seamlessly into the batter, ensuring a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the chewiness from the coconut and almonds. This ingredient not only enriches the flavor but also enhances the nutritional profile, making these brownies a more wholesome treat than traditional versions that rely solely on butter or oil.

Using cottage cheese instead of heavier ingredients helps mitigate the dense nature typical of brownies. This substitution results in a fluffier, lighter baked good that still maintains that satisfying fudginess. If you find cottage cheese isn’t to your taste, you might substitute Greek yogurt for a similar protein content while still achieving that moist texture.

Perfecting Your Bake

Baking time and temperature can greatly influence the final texture of your brownies. It's essential to preheat your oven properly to 350°F (175°C), as an oven that is too hot will lead to dry edges while leaving the center underbaked. Check your brownies at the 25-minute mark; the edges should appear set while the center may still look slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs – this will ensure that your brownies remain fudgy and not overly dry.

If you notice that the tops begin to darken too quickly, consider covering the brownies with foil during the last few minutes of baking. This will allow the center to finish cooking without over-browning the top. Remember to let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure clean slices, enhancing the presentation of each square.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped almonds

For the Topping

1/4 cup melted dark chocolate
Extra crushed almonds for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, coconut flour, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth. Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped almonds.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

Cool and Top

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan. Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark chocolate and sprinkle additional crushed almonds on top for garnish.

Slice and Serve

Cut the brownies into squares and enjoy your delicious Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance the chocolate richness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Brownies are perfect for meal prep or make-ahead desserts. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. If you’d like to keep them even longer, these brownies freeze beautifully. Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to three months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them briefly in the microwave. If you want a warm, gooey texture, a quick zap of 10-15 seconds should do the trick. Reheating can also reactivate the flavors, giving you that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience even days after baking.

Variations to Try

Feel free to play with the flavor profile of these brownies! For a minty twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter, which pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and coconut. You could also introduce a layer of peanut butter or almond butter swirled on top before baking for an added contrast of flavor and texture.

Additionally, experimenting with different nuts can yield delightful results. Try substituting walnuts for a more earthy flavor or use pecans for a softer crunch. If you're looking for a completely nut-free option, sunflower seeds can provide an enjoyable crunch without compromise, ensuring these brownies remain friendly for various dietary restrictions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute honey with agave syrup or any preferred sweetener, adjusting the quantity according to sweetness preferences.

→ Is it necessary to blend the cottage cheese?

Yes, blending the cottage cheese ensures a smooth texture in the brownies, preventing any clumps from forming.

→ Can I use almond flour instead of coconut flour?

You can use almond flour, but the texture may vary slightly; you might need to adjust the quantity.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage!