This rich, fudgy chocolate cake is made with a delicious creamy cottage cheese layer. It’s gluten-free, packed with protein (10g), and made with all-natural ingredients.

My flourless cakes have been going viral all over Facebook and Pinterest, so I knew I needed keep on going with these recipes. I came up with this delicious flourless chocolate cake that packs cottage cheese.

My friends absolutely loved it! What a treat, and it’s so much better for you than whatever you’ll get in the shops.

Just the perfect amount of fudgy and chocolatey. And that layer of cottage cheese makes it not only high in protein but also more intriguing to the guests.

And if you love tricking your loved ones with healthy treats, it’s definitely the recipe for it.

But this cake is not only a healthy option when your chocolate cravings hit, it’s also so incredibly easy to make. Unlike complicated later cakes, which require so many steps and tools, in only 10 simple steps, you’ll have an indulgent health cake for you to enjoy in your afternoon coffee break.  

And, don’t get me started on the texture. That is the best thing about this recipe.

The bottom layer provides a dense, fudgy chocolate satisfaction, while the cottage cheese layer adds creamy, and almost a cheesecake-style element.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Bananas, mashed (3 ripe) – You can replace them with 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree.

Drippy peanut butter (1 cup) – Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives; the latter is a great option if you have a nut allergy. 

Baking powder (1 tsp)

Eggs (2) – For a vegan option, replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp of water).

Cocoa powder, unsweetened (2 tbsp) – You can also use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but it may change the flavor slightly.

COTTAGE CHEESE LAYER

Cottage cheese, low-fat, smooth (1/2 cup) – If you don’t have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or blended Greek yogurt.

Egg (1)

Maple syrup (1 tbsp) – Feel free to swap it with honey, agave, or a sugar-free syrup.

Cornstarch (2 tbsp) – Potato starch or arrowroot are great alternatives.

TOPPING

Almond flakes – You can use crushed pecans, walnuts, or even shredded coconut.

How to Make Flourless Chocolate Cake with Cottage Cheese

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan by spraying it with oil or lining it with parchment paper. Grab a large bowl, and add the mashed bananas, peanut butter, baking powder, and eggs.

Step 2. Stir all the ingredients. 

Step 3. Add the cocoa powder.

Step 4. Give it a good stir.

Step 5. Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan.

Step 6. Grab a smaller bowl, and add the cottage cheese, egg, maple syrup, and cornstarch.

Step 7. Mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth mix.

Step 8. Add the cottage cheese mix to the loaf pan. Grab a spatula and level it out to form a thin layer.

Step 9. Pour the rest of the cocoa mix on top and use a clean spatula to level it out.

Step 10. Sprinkle the almond flakes on top. Place it in the oven and bake it for 50 minutes.

Once it hits the 20-minute mark, cover it with foil so the top of the bread doesn’t burn. When it’s ready, let it cool down before you slice it.

How I Would Modify This Recipe

• Boost the Flavor: Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. You can also add dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
• Include Other Spices: Enhance its taste by adding some vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
• Add Some Fruit: Stir in dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates. You can also add a layer of fresh berries or raspberries.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding shredded coconut, chocolate chips, a chocolate drizzle, or lightly dusting powdered sugar.

My Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in the fridge and keep them there for up to 5 days.

If you want to keep them for longer, wrap individual portion sizes and place them in a freezer-friendly bag. Keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Other Flourless Desserts

• Flourless Banana Bread
• Flourless Matcha Banana Bread
• Flourless Protein Cake with Blueberries