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High Protein Cheesecake Jars - Creamy, Satisfying, and Ready to Go

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Base (Crust Layer): 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestives/ginger snaps)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cheesecake Filling: 8 oz (225 g) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (225 g) nonfat Greek yogurt (or skyr for extra thickness)
  • 1 scoop (25–30 g) vanilla whey or casein protein powder
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sweetener (sugar, powdered monk fruit, or powdered erythritol), to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (to brighten)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk of choice, as needed for texture
  • Toppings (Optional but Great): Fresh berries or sliced fruit
  • Low-sugar fruit compote or jam
  • Shaved dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips
  • Chopped nuts or seed mix
  • Caramel or chocolate drizzle
  • Equipment: 4–6 small jars (6–8 oz each), mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, spatula

Method
 

  1. Make the crust. Stir graham crumbs, melted butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until the texture feels like damp sand. If it’s too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons more melted butter.
  2. Press into jars. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of crust into each jar and press down gently with the back of a spoon. You want a light pack, not a brick.
  3. Whip the cream cheese. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This step prevents lumps later.
  4. Add yogurt and flavor. Mix in Greek yogurt, vanilla, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy.
  5. Blend in protein and sweetener. Add protein powder and powdered sweetener. Start slow to avoid clumps. If too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s silky and spreadable.
  6. Taste and adjust. For more tang, add a bit more lemon. For more sweetness, add another teaspoon of sweetener. Aim for a lightly sweet, cheesecake-like balance.
  7. Layer the filling. Spoon or pipe the filling over the crusts, dividing evenly among the jars. Smooth the tops with a spoon.
  8. Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best set and flavor.
  9. Top and serve. Add berries, a spoonful of compote, or a sprinkle of chocolate right before eating. Enjoy cold.