Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart

Name: Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cottage cheese, drained; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or hazelnuts)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making this Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart because it offers a delightful twist on the classic brownie. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich chocolate creates a texture that’s both indulgent and surprisingly light. Plus, the added crunch from the nuts provides a perfect contrast to the silky filling. It’s become a favorite dessert in my household, and I enjoy whipping it up for special occasions or simply as a treat after dinner. Trust me, once you try this tart, it’ll quickly become part of your baking repertoire!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T19:06:28.823Z

When I first experimented with using cottage cheese in a dessert, I was surprised by how well it blended into the brownie batter. The extra protein adds a unique creaminess that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. I recommend using ricotta cheese for an even silkier texture!

I also found that baking this tart in a springform pan makes it a breeze to remove and serve. The nuts not only enhance the flavor but also add a satisfying crunch, making each bite a truly delightful experience.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Indulgent chocolate flavor with a delightful nutty crunch
Unique creamy texture thanks to cottage cheese
Perfectly balances rich and light, making it a great dessert option

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to the creamy texture in this Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart lies in using well-drained cottage cheese. If the cottage cheese retains excess moisture, it can lead to a watery filling. To achieve the best consistency, consider wrapping the cottage cheese in a clean kitchen towel and letting it sit for about 10–15 minutes before measuring. This technique ensures your tart has that luscious, silky mouthfeel without being overly wet.

The choice of chocolate greatly influences the flavor of your tart. Using dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70% will provide a rich, intense chocolate profile that harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar and the creaminess of the cottage cheese. If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the dark chocolate with semisweet chocolate; just remember that it may make the tart sweeter.

Baking Tips for Success

Achieving a perfectly baked tart requires attention to the baking time. After pouring the filling into the pre-baked crust, keep an eye on it as it bakes. A visual cue to look for is slight puffing of the filling and a surface that appears set yet slightly jiggly in the center; this indicates that it will firm up as it cools. Overbaking can result in a dry texture, so aim for that delicate balance.

After removing the tart from the oven, let it cool completely in the pan before removing it. This step is crucial because the filling continues to set as it cools, leading to a firmer, sliceable texture when cut. If you’re in a hurry, you can briefly refrigerate it to speed up the cooling process, but be cautious to not let it chill too long, which may lead to a firm texture that's hard to cut.

Ingredients

For the tart crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling

1 cup cottage cheese, drained
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or hazelnuts)

Make sure to prepare all ingredients beforehand for a smoother baking process!

Instructions

Prepare the tart crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, butter, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Press it into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan.

Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 15 minutes.

Make the filling

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, melted chocolate, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. Stir in the chopped nuts.

Bake the tart

Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center.

Cool and serve

Allow the tart to cool completely before removing it from the tart pan. Slice and serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy your homemade Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different nuts or add a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra flavor layer.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Nutty Cottage Cheese Brownie Tart is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the crust a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. The filling can also be made ahead; just mix it and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before pouring it into the crust and baking. This method not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Once fully baked and cooled, store any leftover tart in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep the tart from becoming dry, loosely cover it or place it in an airtight container. If you've got some that you'd like to save for a later date, it also freezes well. Simply slice the tart, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this tart, I recommend pairing it with a lovely dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The richness of the chocolate tart contrasts beautifully with the lightness of whipped cream, adding a luxurious touch. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, drizzle a bit of caramel or raspberry sauce on the plate for added flavor and visual appeal.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before serving. This creates a delightful contrast with the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor. Additionally, fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries can elevate the presentation and bring a refreshing element to each bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well for this recipe, but it may slightly alter the creaminess.

→ Can I make this tart in advance?

Absolutely! This tart keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What kind of nuts can I use?

Feel free to use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds, pecans, or pistachios for a different flavor.

→ Is there an alternative to chocolate?

You can substitute the dark chocolate with white chocolate for a different taste, though it will change the flavor profile.