Healthy Protein Cheesecake Jars Recipe
Introduction
This Healthy Protein Cheesecake Jars recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to satisfy your sweet cravings. Combining creamy cottage cheese and protein powder, it makes for a perfect high-protein dessert or snack. Easy to assemble and customizable with your favorite toppings, these jars are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup fat-free cream cheese
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- Sugar-free maple syrup (to taste)
- 6 graham crackers or crumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Toppings: fresh fruit, jam
Instructions
- Step 1: Blend the cottage cheese, fat-free cream cheese, vanilla protein powder, sugar-free maple syrup, and a splash of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs, then mix with the melted butter until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of each jar to form the crust.
- Step 3: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust in each jar, smoothing the tops.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the jars for 1 to 2 hours to allow the cheesecake to set. Before serving, top with your choice of fresh fruit or a spoonful of jam. Serve chilled.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the filling mixture.
- Substitute the graham cracker crust with crushed nuts for a low-carb option.
- Use flavored protein powders (like chocolate or berry) to create different tastes.
- If you don’t have sugar-free maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can be used, but keep in mind they add extra calories.
Storage
Store the cheesecake jars in the refrigerator covered tightly with lids or plastic wrap for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed within this time for freshness. When ready to serve, you can eat them chilled straight from the fridge; reheating is not necessary.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of fat-free?
Yes, you can use regular cream cheese, but it will increase the fat and calorie content of the recipe. The texture and taste will still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this vegan, substitute cottage cheese and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use a vegan protein powder along with a suitable sweetener and crust ingredients.
PrintHealthy Protein Cheesecake Jars Recipe
These Healthy Protein Cheesecake Jars are a nutritious and delicious dessert option that combines creamy cottage cheese and fat-free cream cheese with vanilla protein powder for a satisfying treat. Layered over a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with fresh fruit or jam, these no-bake cheesecake jars are perfect for a high-protein snack or light dessert that’s easy to prepare and visually appealing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup fat-free cream cheese
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- Sugar-free maple syrup, to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, assumed for flavor)
Crust
- 6 graham crackers or equivalent crumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Toppings
- Fresh fruit (e.g., berries, sliced kiwi, or mango)
- Jam (sugar-free or regular, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, fat-free cream cheese, vanilla protein powder, sugar-free maple syrup, and vanilla extract (if using). Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky cheesecake texture.
- Make the Crust: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs thoroughly with the melted butter until the consistency resembles wet sand.
- Assemble the Jars: Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of each serving jar or container to form a firm crust layer. Carefully spoon the blended cheesecake filling over the crust, smoothing the tops gently.
- Chill the Cheesecake Jars: Refrigerate the assembled jars for 1 to 2 hours to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld, resulting in a firmer cheesecake consistency.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, top each cheesecake jar with your choice of fresh fruit or a spoonful of jam for added sweetness and color. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the fat-free cream cheese with regular cream cheese for a richer flavor, adjusting the calorie count accordingly.
- Choose sugar-free maple syrup and jam to keep the dessert low in sugar.
- Use your favorite fresh fruit toppings such as strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi to add natural sweetness and vitamins.
- For a vegan alternative, replace cream cheese and cottage cheese with plant-based versions and use a vegan protein powder.
- Make sure to blend the filling thoroughly to avoid a grainy texture from the cottage cheese.
- If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits or similar cookies can be used for the crust.
Keywords: healthy cheesecake, protein dessert, no-bake cheesecake jars, high protein snack, healthy dessert, low fat dessert, cottage cheese cheesecake
