High Protein Cheesecake Jars Recipe

High Protein Cheesecake Jars Recipe

A portable, protein-packed dessert that doubles as a post-workout snack — these High Protein Cheesecake Jars deliver creamy cheesecake flavor without derailing your macros. Layers of crunchy crust, tangy cheesecake filling, and fresh fruit make them as satisfying to look at as they are to eat. If you’re tracking your daily protein targets, these jars are an easy way to boost intake while enjoying something sweet; learn more about sensible daily protein intake guidelines as you plan portions.

Why this recipe works

• High-protein base: Greek yogurt, cream cheese (or skyr/cottage cheese blend), and whey or plant protein powder supply concentrated protein without excessive sugar.
• Portable portions: Mason jars keep layers intact, perfect for meal prep.
• Flexible macros: Swap sweeteners, fats, or crust ingredients to suit calorie and carb goals.

Ingredients (makes 6 small jars, ~150–180 g each)
Crust

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (or oat flour)
• 1/3 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cheesecake filling

• 12 oz (340 g) low-fat cream cheese, softened (or a mix of cottage cheese & cream cheese for lighter texture)
• 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (0% or 2% as preferred)
• 2 scoops (about 60 g) vanilla whey or plant protein powder
• 1/3 cup powdered sweetener or 1/4 cup honey/maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings (optional)

• Fresh berries, sliced banana, or stewed fruit
• Chopped nuts, dark chocolate shavings, or granola
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder

Equipment

• 6 small jars (4–8 oz each)
• Electric mixer or blender
• Small skillet or food processor (for crust)

Instructions

1. Make the crust: Pulse rolled oats in a food processor until coarse flour forms (skip if using oat flour). Mix oats, almond butter, honey, vanilla, and pinch of salt until a sticky dough forms. Press about 2 tbsp of the crust mixture into the bottom of each jar, pressing firmly to create an even layer. Chill briefly while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, protein powder, sweetener, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat until creamy and lump-free. If too thick, add 1–2 tbsp milk or water to reach a spreadable consistency.
3. Assemble jars: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust layer in each jar. Smooth the top with a small spatula.
4. Add toppings: Finish with a layer of fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of nuts/granola. Seal jars and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld and filling firm up — overnight is best.
5. Serve chilled. If packing for later, add fragile toppings (granola, nuts) just before eating to keep them crunchy.

Variations and swaps

• Lower-fat option: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and nonfat Greek yogurt and a low-calorie sweetener.
• No-bake vegan: Replace cream cheese and whey with silken tofu, coconut yogurt, and a plant-based protein powder; use maple syrup for sweetness.
• Cookie crust: Substitute crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits for oats for a more classic cheesecake flavor.
• Layered parfait: Alternate thin layers of fruit compote with the cheesecake filling for a parfait-style jar.

Nutrition estimates (per jar, approximate)

• Calories: 260–360 kcal (depends on ingredient choices)
• Protein: 18–28 g
• Fat: 10–18 g
• Carbs: 20–30 g
  Adjust serving sizes and ingredient swaps to better fit your targets. For guidance on how this fits into higher-protein daily plans, see this note on how 200 g protein fits typical meal planning.

Tips for best results

• Soften cream cheese to room temperature for a lump-free filling. If lumps persist, blend the mixture in a high-speed blender for a silkier texture.
• If your protein powder dries the filling, add a tablespoon of milk or yogurt at a time until you reach the desired creaminess.
• For travel: keep jars in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack if refrigeration won’t be available.
• Make-ahead: These keep 3–4 days refrigerated. Add fresh toppings right before eating.

Recipe scaling and meal prep
This recipe is easy to double or halve. For meal prep, assemble 6–12 jars at once and store in the fridge for quick grab-and-go snacks or dessert. They also freeze well (without fresh fruit on top) — thaw in the fridge overnight.

Conclusion

If you’d like to compare a similar take on this idea or gather more inspiration, check out this High Protein Cheesecake Jars – Carmy – Easy Healthy-ish Recipes for an alternate approach and serving ideas: High Protein Cheesecake Jars – Carmy.