Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Cherry Swirl

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Cherry Swirl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup dark cherries, pitted and halved; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love how these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dark Cherry Swirl came out! The combination of rich cocoa and the delightful tang of cottage cheese creates a unique flavor that is both indulgent and surprisingly light. The dark cherry swirl not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also a burst of fruitiness that ties everything together. Whether you’re making these for a gathering or a cozy night in, they are bound to impress everyone who gets a taste!

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:31:18.090Z

When I first experimented with blending cottage cheese into brownies, I was skeptical. Would it really work? To my delight, the result was a moist and fudgy texture that didn’t compromise on flavor. I used quality dark cocoa to deepen the chocolatey goodness, and the tangy cottage cheese was a delicious surprise!

To take it up a notch, I decided to swirl in some dark cherry puree, which not only added a sweet-tart balance but also made the brownies visually appealing. Next time, I might add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that extra contrast with the sweetness!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with sweet-tart cherry swirl
Fudgy texture with a hint of creaminess from cottage cheese
A unique twist on a classic dessert that everyone will adore

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The main ingredient that sets these brownies apart is cottage cheese. While it adds a creamy texture and a subtle tang, it also contributes to the moistness of the brownies without making them heavy. This makes them a delightful option for those who want a sweeter treat without the guilt. Make sure to use well-drained cottage cheese to prevent excess moisture, which could lead to a soggy brownie.

Dark cherries are another star player in this recipe. Their natural sweetness combined with a hint of tartness is the perfect complement to the rich cocoa flavor. If fresh cherries are out of season, feel free to substitute them with frozen dark cherries. Just ensure they are pitted and thawed before using to achieve the right consistency in the cherry swirl.

Perfecting Your Technique

When preparing the cherry swirl, be patient as you cook the mixture over medium heat. You'll want to see the cherries soften and the sugars dissolve completely to create a glossy, thick sauce. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If you notice that it’s getting too thick too quickly, a splash of water can help adjust the consistency for easier swirling later.

As you assemble the brownies, ensure that you don’t overmix the batter once you incorporate the flour. This can lead to tougher brownies. Just stir until you see no more streaks of flour. When layering the cherry mixture, aim for a gentle swirl rather than a full blend; you want distinct swirls of cherry to remain visible for both aesthetic appeal and flavor.

Serving and Storing

Let the brownies cool completely in the baking pan before cutting them into squares. This helps prevent them from crumbling, ensuring clean edges. For an extra touch, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, fudgy brownies and cold ice cream is divine!

If you need to store these brownies, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.

Ingredients

Brownie Batter

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cherry Swirl

1 cup dark cherries, pitted and halved
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Prepare the Cherry Swirl

In a small saucepan, combine dark cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the cherries are soft and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.

Make the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan. In a bowl, blend cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Stir in the flour until just combined.

Combine and Swirl

Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop half of the cherry mixture on top, then pour the remaining batter and add the rest of the cherries. Use a knife to swirl the cherry mixture into the batter gently.

Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. It adds softness and complementing sweetness to the brownies.

Creative Variations

For a flavor twist, try adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added crunch and a rich nutty flavor. You can mix in about half a cup of chopped nuts, adjusting based on your preference. Just be careful not to overmix once they're added.

If you're looking to switch up the fruit, consider using raspberries instead of cherries. Their bright flavor will still provide the perfect contrast to the chocolate base. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's natural sweetness.

Dietary Swaps and Considerations

For a dairy-free option, replace the cottage cheese with a vegan cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth. This will maintain a similar texture while adapting the recipe for those with lactose intolerance. Be mindful that using silken tofu may alter the flavor slightly, so a dash of vanilla can help balance it out.

If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or honey. However, keep in mind that these alternatives may change the consistency of the brownies. When using honey, reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to achieve the right batter consistency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies come out too cakey, it could be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Make sure to measure accurately and mix gently once the flour is added. A fudgy brownie should be slightly dense and moist in texture.

Should your brownies stick to the pan even after greasing, consider lining the pan with parchment paper before pouring in the batter. This will allow for easy removal and prevent any potential sticking. Just leave a bit of overhang to easily lift the brownies out once they’ve cooled.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of dark cherries?

Yes, fresh cherries work great! Just make sure they are ripe and sweet.

→ Is there a substitute for granulated sugar?

You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.