High Protein Cherry Cheesecake Jars

Now that I know you love cheesecake, you have to try this blueberry cheesecake overnight oats or strawberry cheesecake overnight oatmeal recipe.

Why you are going to love this recipe

• High in protein
• Thick and creamy
• Made without protein powder
• Can be made up to 4 days in advance
• Perfect for dessert but could easily become breakfast

Ingredients to make protein cheesecake jars

• Cottage cheese – this helps gives the cheesecake texture. When blended, cottage cheese gets so thick and creamy! I recommend using whole milk cottage cheese for the best texture.
• Greek yogurt – Greek yogurt gives that slightly tart hint that you get in cheesecake. It’s also a great way to add a little more protein. I recommend high fat Greek yogurt for the best texture.
• Lemon zest – this is technically optional but I think it is what makes the filling really have an authentic cheesecake flavor.
• Maple syrup – to naturally sweeten the mixture. You could also use honey or your favorite low sugar liquid sweetener.
• Vanilla extract – because every great cheesecake has a touch of vanilla extract.
• Graham crackers – this gives that authentic cheesecake crust layer to the jars. I used gluten free graham crackers to keep this recipe gluten free.
• Cherry preserves – cherry preserves or cherry jam is the perfect way to add a cherry topping without taking much time or needing to have cherries on hand.

How to make cherry cheesecake jars

Add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract and lemon zest to the food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.

Crush up the graham cracker cookies (I like to place them in a ziplock bag and crush with my hands).

Divide the crushed graham crackers between two jars. Add the cheesecake layer over the crushed graham crackers then top with the cherry preserves. Note, if you will be making these to serve later, check the tips.

Make ahead tips

• This is ready to eat right away but also sets up to be really thick after 3-4 hours in the fridge. If you are serving this to guests, make in advance and store in the fridge (3-4 hours). Wait to add the jam/jelly on top until right before serving.
• The graham cracker crust does tend to get a little soggy in the jar after 24 hours. If you are making a large batch of this in advance, wait to add the graham cracker crust to the top (instead of the bottom). This will help give you the best texture and taste.

Topping ideas

• Mini chocolate chips
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Chopped nuts (like pecans, pistachios, almonds)
• More crushed graham crackers
• Granola or crushed cookies
• Crushed pretzels for a sweet/savory twist
• Whipped cream

What makes this high protein

• Cottage cheese – One cup of cottage cheese typically contains 25 to 28 grams of protein (depending on the fat content).
• Greek Yogurt – A 1/2 cup of full-fat Greek yogurt typically contains 9 to 10 grams of protein (depending on the brand).

Common questions

Can you make this without cottage cheese?

If you don’t have cottage cheese on hand, you can use full fat greek yogurt (1 cup) and about 1/4 cup of cream cheese. You will still want to blend this together in the food processor or blender to combine well.

What if you don’t have graham crackers?

Crush up your favorite cookies, cereal or granola if you don’t have graham crackers on hand.

Do you have to blend the cottage cheese?

Yes, for this recipe, the cottage cheese needs to be blended well to ensure you get that thick, creamy texture.

Does it matter what cottage cheese I use?

For the best texture, I recommend using whole milk cottage cheese (4%). However you don’t have to worry about the curd size since you will be blending.

Can you use real fruit instead?

I really love the convenience of using cherry preserves or jelly but you could use fresh or frozen (then defrosted) cherries. Be sure to remove the pits and simmer in a pot with a little maple syrup to break them down and sweeten slightly.