Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart

Name: Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup almond flour; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds); 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Artisan Bakery Recipes

I’ve always loved the combination of rich chocolate and a hint of nuttiness, and this Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart perfectly embodies that flavor duo. While experimenting with ingredients, I discovered that cottage cheese adds a delightful creaminess to the brownie layer without compromising the delicious chocolate flavor. This recipe has become a favorite in my household, offering a guilt-free dessert option that’s both satisfying and decadent. Plus, the addition of nuts gives it an enjoyable crunch that elevates the whole experience.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:46:30.221Z

During one of my baking adventures, I decided to experiment with cottage cheese in my brownies. The result was stunning! The cottage cheese added a creaminess that I couldn't have imagined, and the nuttiness from the added almonds provided a delightful crunch. It became clear to me that this twist on a classic dessert could make any occasion special. Not only did I create something unique, but I also felt good about enjoying a dessert that felt lighter.

One of the key tips I learned along the way is to blend the cottage cheese until it's smooth before adding it to the chocolate mixture. This step ensures there are no curds in the final tart, giving you a silky texture that complements the rich chocolate flavor. If you're like me and enjoy a little surprise in your desserts, this tart is sure to impress!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty crunch
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each element in this Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart plays a vital role in its overall flavor and texture. The cottage cheese adds a rich creaminess that balances the deep chocolate flavor while keeping the tart low in fat. The dark chocolate chips contribute not only sweetness but also a luxurious texture, creating a decadent mouthfeel that’s hard to resist. Choosing high-quality chocolate can significantly enhance your tart's flavor profile, so I recommend opting for at least 70% cocoa content for a richer taste.

Almond flour is another key ingredient in this recipe, providing a subtle nuttiness and a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour. It helps to create a moist, tender crust, perfectly complementing the fudgy brownie layer. If you’re in need of a substitute due to allergies or dietary restrictions, feel free to swap in oat flour or even ground sunflower seeds to maintain that delightful buttery flavor.

Baking to Perfection

When baking your Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart, it’s essential to monitor the baking time closely. The tart should be baked at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the tart; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating that it’s baked but still fudgy. If the toothpick is completely wet with batter, it likely needs a few more minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; they should appear set and slightly pulling away from the tart pan.

Cooling is just as critical as baking. Allow your tart to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to slice. This cooling period helps the brownie layer firm up, making it easier to cut and serve. If you're planning to store them, let the tart cool completely at room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge for an even firmer texture, which makes for clean, neat slices.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the delightful tart.

For the Brownie Base

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup almond flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Nut Topping

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure everything is measured out for a smooth process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch tart pan or line it with parchment paper.

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, dark chocolate chips, sugar, cocoa powder, almond flour, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Pour and Top

Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared tart pan. Spread evenly and sprinkle chopped nuts and optional chocolate chips over the top.

Bake the Tart

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, serve the tart warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

This Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart can be served on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate it to new heights. I love to drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of indulgence. Fresh berries also serve as a refreshing contrast, adding a pop of color and tartness that cuts through the richness of the brownie.

For a more sophisticated presentation, consider garnishing with mint leaves or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavor. Both caramel and chocolate pair beautifully with the nuttiness of the tart, and a light citrus zest could also brighten up the dessert, offering a well-rounded tasting experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to make the tart in advance, it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. If you wish to freeze it, slice the tart into individual portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.

Reheating the tart is simple as well. You can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or pop the whole tart back into a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Enjoying it slightly warm brings out the chocolate's flavor, enhancing that gooey brownie experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

You can try cream cheese or ricotta, but it may change the flavor and texture slightly.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just replace the almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I use instead of dark chocolate chips?

You can use semi-sweet or even milk chocolate chips according to your sweetness preference.