We are in the season of love and there are few things I love as much as cheesecake. While the delicious dessert is perfect as is, I thought it would be doubly awesome to come up with a more nutritious version. Say hello to my easy protein cheesecake recipe!
You can make these protein cheesecake cups with cottage cheese and yogurt. Top them with fresh berries for added antioxidants and flavor. They are lots of fun as you can garnish them however you desire!
Why You'll Love These Protein Cheesecake Cups
• Fast and Fun - These cheesecake cups only take about 10 minutes to prepare. They will need time to chill, but you can leave them in the fridge overnight for added convenience. Then, garnish as desired!
• Nutritious and Delicious - Who says treats have to be unhealthy? These protein cheesecake cups bring a punch of energizing protein, antioxidants from the berries, and probiotics from the yogurt and cottage cheese.
Ingredients for Easy Cheesecake
• Cottage Cheese - Cottage cheese is a great way to cut some of the saturated fats from cream cheese without compromising flavor. You will need 12 oz. Be sure to get small curd cottage cheese so that the texture remains similar to cheesecake.
• Yogurt - Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, and greek yogurt is an especially great source of protein. Grab 16 oz vanilla greek yogurt. If you have plain unsweetened greek yogurt, just add a little extra agave and a splash of vanilla extract.
• Cream Cheese - To make really great cheesecake cups, we have to have cream cheese. Cream cheese is also a source of vitamins A and B2. You will need just 4 oz softened.
• Agave - Agave is one of my favorite sweeteners. It works great in this dish since it doesn’t have a strong flavor. You will need about 2 tbsp, though you may want to adjust the amount to suit your tastes.
• Graham Crackers - You will need one sleeve of graham cracker crust, which is approximately 9 sheets. If you want to make this low carb, you can omit this, but honestly this is my favorite part!
• Applesauce - Applesauce makes a tasty, healthy alternative to butter as you prepare your cheesecake cup crusts. Make sure to get 4 oz unsweetened applesauce.
• Raspberries - Raspberries make the most delicious topping to these cheesecake cups. You will need about ¼ cup. You can substitute a different kind of berry if you prefer.
• Optional Garnishes - Garnish your cheesecake cups however your heart desires. Berries, whipped cream, sprinkles, or mint leaves can be fun toppings.
Substitutions
• If you aren’t big on raspberries, try blackberries or diced strawberries.
• Instead of making the graham cracker and applesauce crust, you can always eat the cheesecake filling as a dip to go on top of your favorite cookies, fruits, pancakes or waffles.
How to make Protein Cheesecake Cups
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, agave and cream cheese. Pulse until mostly or completely smooth. Set aside.
- Crush graham crackers until they’ve become fine in texture. Then stir in the applesauce. The texture should become that of wet sand.
- Press the crust amongst the bottom of 4 jars and then fill up with cheesecake yogurt filling.
- Top your protein cheesecakes with fresh berries and enjoy after chilling for 3 hours or overnight. Can enjoy right away but the filling will be softer until chilled thoroughly. Room temperature cheesecake isn't the best tasting either!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by creating your cheesecake filling. Grab a blender or food processor and add your cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, agave, and cream cheese. Pulse until smooth.
Next, make your crust. Crush your graham crackers to a fine consistency. Stir in the unsweetened applesauce to give your crust the texture of wet sand.
Press the crust down into the bottoms of 4 jars, or your desired cheesecake vessels. Fill with your cheesecake filling.
Top your cheesecake cups with your fresh raspberries. Chill for 3 hours, or overnight. Garnish as desired and enjoy!
Cook's Tips
• Can’t wait to dig in? You can eat these cheesecake cups as soon as you’re done preparing them. If you are looking for a truer cheesecake texture, you should wait until they chill and thicken.
• If you have silicone cupcake liners, pop them in a muffin tin and make smaller, grab and go cheesecake bites!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate any leftover cheesecake cups and enjoy within 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips.
- Serving a group? Set this out as a dip with fruits, graham crackers and cookies for dipping. Or prepare it in a larger dish like an icebox cake.
FAQ:
Cheesecake is normally low in protein. This recipe utilizes cottage cheese and greek yogurt to bring in a healthy punch of protein, while still achieving that yummy cheesecake flavor and texture
These protein cheesecake cups are no bake! You can eat them as soon as you finish assembling them, if you desire. However, allowing them to set in the fridge for at least 3 hours will make them more firm and cold.
Cheesecake is typically considered to be a pretty unhealthy dish. There is nothing wrong with enjoying treats from time to time. However, if you like to eat cheesecake a lot, why not make a version that satisfies your cravings and keeps you healthy? This recipe is nutritious and tasty.
Looking for more easy dessert ideas?
Try these:
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Protein Cheesecake Cups
Ingredients
- 12 oz Small Curd Cottage Cheese
- 16 oz Vanilla Greek Yogurt
- 4 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 2 tbsp Agave Syrup may be adjusted depending on preference
- 1 Sleeve of Graham Cracker Sheets approx. 9 sheets
- 4 oz Unsweetened Apple Sauce
- ¼ Cup Raspberries
- Optional Garnish: Fresh Berries Whipped Cream, Mint, Sprinkles, Etc.)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, agave and cream cheese. Pulse until mostly or completely smooth. Set aside.
- Crush graham crackers until they’ve become fine in texture and then stir in the apple sauce. The texture should become that of wet sand.
- Press the crust amongst the bottom of 4 jars and then fill up with cheese cake yogurt filling.
- Top with fresh berries and enjoy after chilling for 3 hours or overnight. Can enjoy right away but the filling will be softer until chilled thoroughly.
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