High Protein Strawberry Cheesecake Jars
Nutrition Snapshot
If you’re as obsessed with protein-packed cheesecake treats as I am, you’ll definitely want to check out my other reader favorites, cherry cheesecake jars and blueberry cheesecake jars. Like this recipe, they’re all made with a perfect blend of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, giving you that authentic cheesecake taste while packing in the protein – no protein powder needed!
As a former personal trainer and nutrition coach, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for women to get enough protein in their diet, especially when trying to satisfy a sweet tooth. That’s exactly why I created these recipes – to show you that high-protein eating doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. By combining my background in nutrition with my experience running a meal prep business, I’ve perfected these recipes to be both delicious and protein-rich, helping you reach your fitness goals while actually enjoying what you eat.
Why you will love this recipe
- High protein without protein powder
- Easy to make
- Quick and simple recipe
- Real ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great for snacking or a satisfying dessert
Ingredients you will need
- Cottage cheese (whole milk) – The star protein source! Creates thick, creamy cheesecake texture when blended, and I promise it doesn’t taste like cottage cheese.
- Greek yogurt (full fat) – Adds authentic cheesecake tang and extra protein. The higher fat content ensures the perfect creamy texture.
- Lemon zest – Optional but recommended! This simple addition creates that authentic cheesecake flavor you’re craving.
- Maple syrup – Natural sweetener that blends perfectly. Can substitute honey or your preferred low calorie liquid sweetener.
- Graham crackers – Creates the classic cheesecake crust layer. Use gluten-free if needed. If you don’t have graham crackers, use crushed cookies, granola or even crushed pretzels.
- Strawberry preserves (or strawberry jam) – Quick and convenient way to add strawberry topping. No fresh berries needed!
How to make strawberry cheesecake jars
Add cottage cheese, greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract and lemon zest to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth
Place graham crackers into a ziplock bag. Remove air and seal. Crush with your hands until they look like sand.
Add crushed graham crackers to the bottom of two jars. Top with the cottage cheese cheesecake mixture. Top with strawberry preserves.
Note, if you will be making these to serve later, check the tips.
Tips for the perfect cheesecake jars
- Use cold ingredients to get the best texture (this is especially important if you will be eating right away).
- Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for 3-4 hours to get the best texture.
- These can be made up to 4 days in advance, however it’s important that you wait to add the graham crackers until right before serving, they will get soggy.
- For the best presentation, serve in a glass jar and wait to add the strawberry preserves until right before serving (sometimes they can bleed into the cheesecake mixture).
Topping ideas
These no bake strawberry protein cheesecake jars are perfect just the way they are but sometimes it’s fun to add some toppings. Here are some great ideas:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Chopped nuts
- Crushed cookies, granola, graham crackers or crushed pretzels
- Whipped cream
What makes this high in 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 I make these cheesecake jars without cottage cheese?
Yes, swap the cottage cheese for 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt and ¼ cup of cream cheese instead. Blend until smooth and creamy.
What is the best cottage cheese to use?
Whole milk is best because it will give you the best texture and flavor (use low fat in a pinch but I don’t recommend fat free). You don’t have to worry about curd size since you are blending.
Does the cottage cheese have to be blended
Yes for this recipe the cottage cheese really needs to be blended to create the thick, creamy texture. Use a food processor, blender or even an immersion blender.
Can you make this dairy free?
Yes, you can use dairy free yogurt and dairy free cream cheese, but it won’t be as high in protein. To add protein, add 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder (plus a little dairy free milk to thin it out if needed).
Can you use fresh fruit instead of preserves?
Yes, use fresh or frozen strawberries. Remove the stem and cut into pieces. Add to a pot with a little maple syrup and cook over medium low heat until they are softened.
Storing for meal prep
If you are making a large batch of these to store during the week, I recommend you wait to add the graham crackers until right before serving. From my experience, they start to get wet and soggy after 24 hours. Simply sprinkle them on top for a similar eating experience.
High Protein Strawberry Cheesecake Jars
Recommended Equipment
- Food processor or high speed blender
- Microplane grater
Ingredients
- 1 cup full fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup full fat greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ large lemon, zested
- 4 graham cracker cookies, (about 21 grams)
- 2 tablespoons strawberry fruit spread
Instructions
- Add 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the zest of 1/2 of a lemon into a food processor or high speed blender.
- Blend until smooth, may take 1-2 minutes.
- Crush the graham crackers (I like to place them in a ziplock bag to crush by hand).
- Divide the crushed graham crackers between 2 jars. Add the cheesecake filling and top with 1 tablespoon of strawberry fruit spread.
Notes
- Use cold cottage cheese and greek yogurt for the best texture.
- Wait to add the strawberry fruit spread until right before serving for the best presentation.
- If you plan on making a batch of these strawberry cheesecake jars in advance, don’t put the graham cracker crumbs on the bottom (the texture changes). Add to the top right before serving.
- If you don’t have strawberry preserves, you can use fresh or frozen (defrosted) strawberries mashed with some maple syrup.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
The provided nutrition information is generated by an automatic API and does not take variations across specific brands into account. This information is provided as a general guideline and should not be treated as official calculations. Learn more here.
