High-Protein Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Deliciously rich and fudgy brownies elevated with a high-protein cottage cheese cheesecake layer. This recipe combines creamy cottage cheese and cream cheese swirled into classic brownie batter with added chocolate whey protein powder for a nutritious twist on a beloved dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies and Cheesecake Topping
- Cooking spray
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese, divided and room temperature
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on box (typically oil, water, and eggs)
- 1 tablespoon chocolate whey protein powder
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Spray a 9×9 inch square baking dish with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal.
- Process Cottage Cheese: Place cottage cheese in a food processor and blend on medium speed until completely smooth, removing all visible curds. Reserve 1/4 cup of this smooth cottage cheese for the brownie batter.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: To the remaining cottage cheese in the processor, add cream cheese and sugar, and continue to blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the egg and vanilla extract and process again until fully combined.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, prepare the brownie mix following package directions. Stir in the chocolate whey protein powder and the reserved 1/4 cup of smooth cottage cheese. Set aside 1/3 cup of this brownie batter for the topping.
- Layer and Swirl: Pour the remaining brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie base. Dollop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top. Use a knife or toothpick to drag through the brownie batter and cheesecake in figure-8 motions, creating a beautiful swirl effect.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean but with some cheesecake crumbs attached. The cheesecake topping should have a slight bounce and slight give in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow to cool for at least 3 hours before lifting out the brownies using the parchment overhang and slicing into squares.
Notes
- Make sure cottage cheese is at room temperature before processing for a smoother cheesecake texture.
- Swirling the batters creates a pretty marbled effect but do not overmix or the layers will blend together.
- Chilling for at least 3 hours is crucial to set the cheesecake topping properly for clean slicing.
- Use a high-quality chocolate whey protein powder to enhance flavor and texture.
- You may substitute the brownie mix with your favorite homemade brownie batter if desired.
Keywords: cheesecake brownies, high protein brownies, cottage cheese brownies, chocolate whey protein brownies, swirled cheesecake brownies, healthy brownie recipe
