Description
These High-Protein Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Brownies blend the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy, protein-packed cheesecake topping made from cottage cheese and cream cheese. Enhanced with chocolate whey protein powder, this recipe offers a delicious, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for those looking to boost their protein intake without sacrificing indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 pkg. brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on box
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese (reserved from processing)
- 1 tbsp. chocolate whey protein powder
Cheesecake Topping
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese, divided, room temperature
- 1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Other
- Cooking spray
- Parchment paper (for lining pan)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9″ x 9″ square baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy brownie removal.
- Process Cottage Cheese: In a food processor, blend 3/4 cup of cottage cheese on medium speed until smooth and free of curds. Measure out 1/4 cup of the smooth mixture and set it aside for the brownie batter.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: To the food processor with remaining cottage cheese, add the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Process until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to process until fully combined and creamy.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on the brownie mix package. Stir in the chocolate whey protein powder and the reserved 1/4 cup cottage cheese mixture until well blended. Scoop out 1/3 cup of this brownie batter and set aside for topping.
- Layer Brownie and Cheesecake Batter: Pour the remaining brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Next, dollop the cheesecake topping over the brownie layer and gently spread into an even layer. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved 1/3 cup brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Create Swirls: Using the pointed edge of a knife or toothpick, drag through the brownie batter on the cheesecake topping in figure-8 motions to create elegant swirls.
- Bake: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. A tester inserted in the center should come out mostly clean but may have some cheesecake crumbs attached. The cheesecake topping should feel bouncy or have a slight give in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the brownies to a wire rack and let them cool completely for at least 3 hours before slicing into squares. This cooling time allows the cheesecake to set perfectly for clean slices.
Notes
- Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan for cutting.
- Make sure the cream cheese and cottage cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth cheesecake topping.
- The swirls add a beautiful marbled effect and balance the flavors between brownie and cheesecake.
- Allow sufficient cooling time to ensure the brownies hold their shape when sliced.
- If you prefer, substitute the chocolate whey protein powder with another flavor or omit it for a classic version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: high-protein brownies, cottage cheese cheesecake brownies, protein-packed dessert, chocolate whey brownies, cheesecake swirl brownies
