Indulge in a rich, high-protein dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. These no-bake high-protein cheesecake jars are the perfect answer to your sweet cravings! With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a treat that delivers an impressive 30 grams of protein per serving. Creamy cottage cheese and thick Greek yogurt come together to create a dessert that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether you’re after a quick snack, a healthier dessert, or even a breakfast that fuels your day, these cheesecake jars check all the boxes. They’re ideal for anyone looking to boost protein intake without sacrificing taste from fitness lovers to busy professionals, or simply anyone seeking a better-for-you indulgence. In this guide, you’ll learn the simple steps to make them, along with flavor variations and tips to take your jars to the next level.
Key Ingredients for High-Protein Cheesecake Jars
Cottage Cheese (2% MF): The base of the cheesecake mixture, cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and a solid protein boost. Choosing 2% milk fat gives a balance of richness and lightness, while also providing calcium and other nutrients.
Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener balances the tang of Greek yogurt and the smoothness of cottage cheese. Opt for pure maple syrup for the best taste and a more wholesome option than refined sugars.
Plain Greek Yogurt (Full Fat): Essential for a smooth, velvety texture, full-fat Greek yogurt enhances richness, adds tang, and boosts protein. It also brings probiotics, which can support gut health.
Graham Crackers (Crushed): These create the classic cheesecake crust element without baking, adding crunch and flavor contrast to the creamy layers.
Berries (Fresh or Frozen): A colorful and nutritious topping, berries add antioxidants, vitamins, and a refreshing tartness. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries all work beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor – to blend cottage cheese until silky smooth
- Mixing bowl – for combining the cheesecake base
- Silicone spatula – for gentle folding
- Jars or cups – to assemble individual servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blend the Cottage Cheese: Add cottage cheese to a food processor and blend for 1–2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. This step ensures no lumps in your cheesecake mixture.
- Sweeten It: Add maple syrup to the blended cottage cheese and process again until fully incorporated.
- Combine with Greek Yogurt: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then fold in the full-fat Greek yogurt with a spatula until thick, creamy, and uniform.
- Build the Layers: Start with a layer of crushed graham crackers at the bottom of each jar.
- Add the Cheesecake Mixture: Spoon in a layer of the creamy filling over the crackers, smoothing it out evenly.
- Repeat: Continue layering graham crackers and cheesecake mixture until the jars are nearly full.
- Top with Berries: Finish with a generous layer of fresh or frozen berries for flavor, color, and nutrition.
- Chill or Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least an hour for a firmer, more set texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Sweeteners: Swap maple syrup for honey, agave nectar, or stevia — adjusting to taste.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers, crushed nuts, or oats for the crust.
- Dairy-Free: Replace cottage cheese and yogurt with plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt.
- Extra Toppings: Try chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of nut butter.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt? Yes, but full-fat will give you a creamier, richer result. Lower-fat versions will be slightly less decadent.
How long do they keep in the fridge? They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep the crust and filling separate to prevent sogginess.
Can I make them ahead for meal prep? Absolutely! Prepare them the night before or a couple of days in advance for a quick, protein-packed snack or dessert that’s ready whenever you are.
High-Protein No-Bake Cheesecake Jars
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins
Creamy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying these no-bake cheesecake jars pack a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving. With just five ingredients, they come together in minutes for a healthy dessert or snack you’ll love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese (2% MF)
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup fresh berries (or more, to taste)
Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
Instructions
- Blend Cottage Cheese – In a food processor, blend cottage cheese until smooth and creamy (1–2 minutes).
- Sweeten – Add maple syrup and blend again until fully incorporated.
- Mix in Yogurt – Transfer to a mixing bowl and gently fold in Greek yogurt with a spatula until smooth.
- Assemble Jars –
- Add a layer of crushed graham crackers to the bottom.
- Spoon in a layer of cheesecake mixture.
- Sprinkle another layer of graham crackers.
- Top with fresh berries.
- Add another layer of cheesecake mixture.
- Finish & Chill – Garnish with extra berries. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 459 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 33g
