Introduction
The Cottage Cheese Microwave Brownie is the ultimate solution for satisfying a rich, chocolate craving in under five minutes, all while boosting your protein intake. Born from the recent trend of using cottage cheese as a high-protein, creamy base in baking, this single-serving brownie delivers a fudgy, dense texture without the need for flour, excessive sugar, or a full oven commitment. It’s perfect for a late-night dessert, a quick post-workout snack, or whenever you need a delicious, guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120g / 120ml) Full-fat or Low-fat Cottage Cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tablespoons (15g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
- 1 tablespoon (15g / 15ml) Sweetener (Granulated sugar, maple syrup, or erythritol)
- 1 teaspoon (5g) Cornstarch or All-Purpose Flour (for structure)
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 tablespoon Chocolate Chips (optional, for topping)
Step-by-step Preparation
- Blend the Base: Place the cottage cheese, egg, and vanilla extract into a small food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This step is crucial for achieving the classic brownie texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sweetener, cornstarch/flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure there are no clumps of cocoa powder.
- Mix the Batter: Pour the wet cottage cheese mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick, smooth, and resemble traditional brownie batter.
- Prepare for Microwaving: Lightly grease a microwave-safe ramekin or mug (approximately 8 oz / 240 ml capacity). Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the optional chocolate chips on top.
- Cook the Brownie: Microwave the brownie on high power (1000W) for 60 to 90 seconds.
- Tip: Start with 60 seconds. The brownie is done when the edges look set and slightly pulled away from the ramekin, but the center still looks slightly moist (it will firm up as it cools). If needed, microwave in 10-second increments until just set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownie to cool in the ramekin for 2-3 minutes. This resting period helps the structure set and enhances the fudgy texture. Serve warm directly from the dish.
Nutritional Information
Based on using low-fat cottage cheese and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, this entire single-serving brownie contains approximately 200-250 calories (excluding toppings). It provides a significant health benefit, offering around 18-20 grams of protein, making it an excellent high-protein snack that supports muscle recovery and satiety. It is also naturally lower in refined sugars and fats compared to traditional brownies.
Storage
Since this recipe is designed for a single serving, leftovers are unlikely. However, if you choose to make a larger batch or need to store the brownie, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy chilled, which results in a denser, fudge-like consistency.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Microwave Brownie proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. For an elevated experience, serve it topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla protein ice cream. Variations include adding a swirl of peanut butter before microwaving or mixing in a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive twist. Enjoy this quick, decadent dessert!