01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides, then lightly grease. This prepares your pan for the Fudgy Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies.
02 -
In a blender, combine 1 1/2 cups 2% milkfat cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup granulated erythritol, 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp fine sea salt. Blend until completely smooth and no cottage cheese lumps remain.
03 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder, 1/2 cup chocolate or unflavored whey protein powder, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp instant espresso powder. Ensure no clumps remain.
04 -
Pour the blended wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few streaks are fine for these Fudgy Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies.
05 -
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips into the brownie batter. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup for topping. This adds extra pockets of melted chocolate.
06 -
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
07 -
Let the Fudgy Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before lifting out and slicing. Cooling ensures a fudgier texture and clean cuts.