Looking for a simple and delicious high protein snack or dessert? Try these creamy, decadent mini strawberry cheesecake cups, with 15 grams of protein in one serving!
No cream cheese – just Greek yogurt combined with cheesecake pudding mix, protein powder, and topped with sweet strawberries, whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs. It’s the most simple recipe! Just 5 minutes of prep, and a few can be made in advance for future snacking.
This recipe kills two birds with one stone – it satisfies a sweet tooth and increases your protein intake at the same time. Much healthier than most processed snacks or desserts!
Why You’ll Want to Make THese Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
- They taste like dessert, but they’re healthy: Creamy, decadent cheesecake cups without any cream cheese. Plus, they’re a good source of calcium!
- High in protein: Protein is probably the most important macronutrient when it comes to making positive changes in body composition. It’s hard to find desserts and snacks that are high in protein, which make these cheesecake cups a convenient (and tasty) option.
- Good for the gut: The live, active cultures from the Greek yogurt provide good bacteria for our gut.
- Super simple: There are only 4 ingredients to make the base of these cheesecake cups – and the toppings are so easily customizable! The sky is the limit here. These mini cups are so quick and easy that you can prepare a few of them at a time, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days!
INGREDIENTS
- Non-fat Plain Greek Yogurt (one cup): A sweetened yogurt could work here as well, but it isn’t needed because the cheesecake mix and flavored protein powder already add so much flavor. Vanilla or strawberry Greek yogurt would be great substitutes.
- Vanilla Protein Powder (one scoop): I recommend a protein powder that is third-party tested, and make sure you enjoy the taste! Otherwise, it can affect the flavor of these strawberry cheesecake cups. Choosing one without artificial sweeteners will prevent that bitter aftertaste.
- Jell-O Cheesecake Instant Pudding Mix (2 1/2 tablespoons): Use instant pudding mix for the best results, and to create that thick and creamy texture quickly.
- Water (one cup): Use 3/4 cup of water for a thicker, more cheesecake-like consistency. Milk would be an ideal substitute, and might make these even more rich and creamy.
Recommended Toppings
The toppings are what make these strawberry cheesecake cups stand out. Try to get some with each and every bite!
- Sliced strawberries (fresh, or thawed from frozen).
- 1-2 tablespoons of whipped cream (HIGHLY recommend).
- Graham cracker crumbs, or just crumbled graham crackers.
- Chopped nuts.
- Crushed pretzels (optional – but would be delicious if you like the salty and sweet combo)
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds could also be incorporated into the cheesecake mixture for added fiber!
These cute little cups are small, but pack a nutritional punch. Tasty, yet a great source of calcium and protein! Ideal for an after dinner treat or midday snack.
Mini Strawberry CHeesecake Cups Instructions
This recipe makes 3 servings for easy high protein meal prep. Only 3 simple steps, and less than 5 minutes of prep to create these delicious mini strawberry cheesecake cups!
1. Combine the Greek yogurt, protein powder, cheesecake mix, vanilla extract and water into a bowl.
2. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Top with desired toppings! I highly recommend whipped cream because it helps to mask that protein powder taste and just adds to the decadence and richness of this recipe.
Serve right away, or allow to thicken in the fridge for an hour or two.
Drizzle with honey if you prefer more sweetness.
I recommend putting the toppings on when ready to serve. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months!
Related Posts:
- High Protein Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- 120 Grams of Protein Sample Meal Plans
- High Protein Chia Breakfast Bowl
Recipe Tips:
- Add more water if the mixture has too much of a “gritty” taste from the protein powder.
- Incorporate chia seeds or flaxseeds for fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Sweeten with honey or monk fruit sweetener to add some sweetness, or add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Without Protein Powder?
These miniature strawberry cheesecake cups would be just as delicious without the protein powder, and would still have a decent amount of protein. You could also just add a little more Greek yogurt for protein, as well as the cheesecake mix.
What Protein Powder Do You Recommend?
Since protein powders are not regulated by the FDA, I would recommend one that is third-party tested. This means an unrelated, third-party organization performs product testing to confirm that the product contains the actual ingredients listed.
It also means they test for heavy metals or harmful levels of impurities. Look for “USP”, “NSF”, or “Informed Sport” for easily recognizable testing.
Of course, the taste of the protein powder is very important as well!
Can I Use Any Yogurt in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use any yogurt in this recipe – however, Greek yogurt typically contains more protein than other types of yogurt. It is also thicker and using a different yogurt might result in a thinner consistency.
What Are the Health Benefits of Eating More Protein?
- Increases meal satiety and satisfaction (1).
- May protect against fat gain and promote positive changes in body composition (2, 3).
- High protein meals may lead to less mindless snacking and reduced overall caloric intake (4).
- Helps to preserve lean muscle mass, especially when in a calorie deficit (5).
- Increases the rate of muscle protein synthesis leading to higher muscle mass (6).
- Of all the macronutrients, protein takes the longest to digest, which helps to stabilize blood sugars and burn more calories as it is digesting (7).
How Much Protein Do I Need Per Day?
The amount of protein recommended per day will depend on a number of factors, and these recommendations vary widely. Consuming 0.35 grams per pound of body weight is the minimum amount to maintain lean body mass and sustain bodily processes.
However, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 0.5-0.8 grams per pound of body weight for those who are physically active or wanting to build muscle. This amounts to 75-120 grams for a 150 pound women.
Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Cups {Healthy, High Protein}
Ingredients
- 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt (or flavor preference of your choice)
- 1 cup water (use 3/4 cup for a thicker consistency)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Jell-O Cheesecake Instant Pudding Mix
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Sliced strawberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Chopped nuts
- Whipped cream
- Crushed pretzels
Instructions
- Combine Greek yogurt, protein powder, water, vanila extract and cheesecake mix into a bowl. Use a whisk, and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Serve right away, or allow to thicken in the fridge for an hour or two. I recommend adding the toppings right before serving. Top with sliced strawberries and any other toppings of your choice.I highly recommend whipped cream because it really masks that protein powder flavor and just adds to the decadence and deliciousness.
Notes
- Add more water if the mini cheesecake cups have that gritty protein powder taste.
- Incorporate chia seeds to increase fiber content.
- Sweeten with honey or monk fruit sweetener for additional sweetness.
Total Fat 0.2g
Saturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 7mg
Sodium 100mg
Total Carbohydrate 6.1g
Dietary Fiber 0.3g
Total Sugars 4.6g
Protein 15.4g
Calcium 318mg
Easily Customize How You Want!
I love this recipe because it can be easily customized to change up the flavor profile, while still providing a fresh and healthy treat.
You could make this a tropical cheesecake and top with pineapple and shredded coconut flakes. Add cocoa powder, and top with chocolate chips. Incorporate cinnamon into the cheesecake mixture, and top with sliced bananas!
Takes some inspiration from The Cheesecake Factory and make different variations so you never get bored! I hope you enjoy these simple, delicious, decadent and healthy strawberry cheesecake cups!
I made a larger portion instead of the mini size but such a great snack option for my sugar cravings.