Description
Protein Strawberry Cheesecake is a creamy, delicious dessert made with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and a boost of protein powder. This lighter alternative to traditional cheesecake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess while providing a high-protein treat that’s ideal for dessert lovers looking for a healthier option.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Filling
- 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Topping
- Fresh strawberries, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined or lightly greased 8-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Yogurt: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the cream cheese mixture, add the vanilla protein powder, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until the center is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven for 30 minutes to prevent cracking and ensure gradual cooling.
- Chill: After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3 hours to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Just before serving, top the cheesecake with fresh strawberries for an attractive presentation and extra freshness.
Notes
- For the smoothest and creamiest texture, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the eggs.
- Chilling the cheesecake completely before slicing prevents cracking and helps it hold its shape.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different natural sweetness.
- Use an 8-inch springform pan to make removing the cheesecake easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
