Description

Delight in these Protein Cottage Cheesecake Jars, a guilt-free, high-protein dessert perfect for a healthy treat. This recipe combines creamy cottage cheese and fat-free cream cheese with vanilla protein powder and a sugar-free maple syrup sweetener, layered over a crunchy graham cracker crust, topped with fresh fruits and optional blueberry jam for a burst of flavor. Ideal for anyone craving a nutritious yet indulgent dessert that’s easy to prepare and customizable to various dietary needs.

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)
1 splash 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)

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Instructions

Blend the 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 until smooth and creamy, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Prepare the Crust: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Mix these crumbs thoroughly with the melted butter until the mixture forms clusters and is evenly combined.
Assemble the Jars: Evenly distribute the crust mixture into the bottom of small jars, pressing down gently to form a compact base layer. Spoon the creamy cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the surface for an even finish.
Chill the Cheesecakes: Place the jars in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the cheesecake to set. For optimal flavor and texture, chilling overnight is recommended.
Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, top each jar with your choice of fresh fruit and a spoonful of optional blueberry jam to enhance both taste and presentation.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute cottage cheese and cream cheese with dairy-free ricotta and plant-based cream cheese respectively.
Use gluten-free graham crackers if you need to avoid gluten.
For a dairy-free option, replace melted butter with coconut oil.
Adjust sweetness by choosing sugar-free or regular maple syrup according to dietary preference.
Protein powder flavor can be varied to chocolate or other preferred flavors for a different twist.
Chilling overnight improves texture and depth of flavor, but 1-2 hours is sufficient for a quick dessert.