Easy High Protein Cheesecake Jars Recipe
This High Protein Cheesecake Jars recipe is a creamy, delightful dessert perfect for those seeking a tasty yet nutritious treat. Featuring a crunchy almond flour crust and a smooth, protein-packed filling with cream cheese and Greek yogurt, these jars offer a great balance of indulgence and health. They can be prepared with a baked or no-bake crust method, and are customizable with sweeteners and optional lemon juice for a tangy kick. Ideal as a convenient, refrigerated snack or dessert, these cheesecake jars make protein-rich eating both simple and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (optional baking)
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time; overnight preferred)
- Yield: 4-6 jars (4-6 oz each) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour (or crushed graham crackers for a classic vibe)
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
- 1–2 tbsp sweetener (like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free substitute)
Filling Ingredients:
- 8 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (2% or non-fat, your call)
- 1–2 scoops vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based works)
- 2–3 tbsp sweetener (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp lemon juice (for a tangy kick)
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or microwave it on low for 10 seconds to achieve a soft texture, perfect for blending smoothly.
- Combine Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the almond flour, melted coconut oil, and sweetener until you create a soggy-sandbox consistency that binds well for the crust.
- Portion Crust into Jars: Use 4–6 small mason jars (4–6 oz each). Press 2–3 tablespoons of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of each jar using the back of a spoon.
- Bake or Chill Crust: For the baked method (optional), bake the jars at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden, then let cool. For the no-bake method, refrigerate jars for 10–15 minutes until the crust firms up.
- Prepare the Filling Base: In a mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add Greek Yogurt: Fold in the Greek yogurt and continue mixing until the filling is creamy and well combined.
- Mix in Protein Powder: Add protein powder one scoop at a time, mixing thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in sweetener and vanilla extract, then taste the mixture. Add more sweetener if desired. Optionally, add lemon juice for a refreshing tang to brighten the flavor.
- Assemble Layers: Spoon or pipe about ¼ cup of filling over the crust layer in each jar. For a decorative touch, alternate layers of crust and filling to create a swirl effect.
- Add Toppings and Chill: Garnish with crushed nuts, fresh berries, or a drizzle of sugar-free caramel on top. Refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute almond flour with crushed graham crackers for a more classic crust flavor.
- The crust can be baked or no-bake; no-bake is quicker and still delicious.
- Adjust sweetener amounts to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Using lemon juice adds a nice tang but is optional.
- Make sure to mix the protein powder in gradually to prevent lumps.
- Chilling the jars overnight yields the best texture and flavor combination.
- You can experiment with toppings to customize each jar to your liking.
- Protein powder type can be whey or plant-based depending on dietary preferences.
Keywords: High protein dessert, cheesecake jars, healthy cheesecake, protein powder dessert, no-bake cheesecake, low-fat dessert, Greek yogurt cheesecake
