Description
Enjoy a guilt-free, protein-packed dessert with these delicious Protein Cottage Cheesecake Jars. Creamy, smooth, and layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, these jars offer a healthy twist on classic cheesecake. Perfect for a wholesome snack or dessert, they’re easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite fruits and protein powder flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (Use dairy-free ricotta for vegan version)
- 8 oz Fat-Free Cream Cheese (Substitute with plant-based cream cheese for dairy-free option)
- 1 scoop Vanilla-Flavored Protein Powder (Consider chocolate flavor for variation)
- 2 tbsp Sugar-Free Maple Syrup (Can be substituted with regular maple syrup)
- A splash of Vanilla Extract
Crust
- 1 cup Graham Crackers (or crumbs) (Use gluten-free graham crackers for gluten restrictions)
- 3 tbsp Melted Butter (Coconut oil can be used for dairy-free option)
Toppings
- 1 cup Fresh Fruits (Top with berries, bananas, or seasonal fruits)
- 2 tbsp Blueberry Jam (Optional; sugar-free alternatives can be used)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a high-power blender, combine the cottage cheese, fat-free cream cheese, vanilla-flavored protein powder, sugar-free maple syrup, and a splash of vanilla extract. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Make the Crust: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and pounding with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs thoroughly with the melted butter until the mixture forms clusters.
- Assemble the Jars: Evenly distribute the crust mixture among small jars, pressing down gently to form a compact base layer. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust, smoothing the surface with a spoon or spatula.
- Chill the Jars: Place the assembled jars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1-2 hours. For the best flavor and texture, allow them to chill overnight.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, top each jar with your choice of fresh fruits and a spoonful of optional blueberry jam for extra sweetness and color.
Notes
- Use dairy-free or plant-based substitutes to make this recipe vegan or lactose-free.
- To accommodate gluten restrictions, opt for gluten-free graham crackers.
- Adjust the sweetness by choosing sugar-free or regular maple syrup based on preference.
- Variations in protein powder flavor (such as chocolate) can add a new twist to the cheesecake.
- Chilling overnight improves texture but 1-2 hours is sufficient if short on time.
- Fresh seasonal fruits work best for topping; consider berries, kiwi, or mango for variety.
