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Easy High Protein Strawberry Cheesecake Jar

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 1

Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Low effort, minimal equipment, no baking required.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 3 tbsp (25g) Walnuts, finely chopped

  • 1 tsp (5g) Coconut Oil, melted

  • 1 tsp (5ml) Sugar-Free Maple Syrup (or honey)

  • 1 small pinch of Sea Salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • ½ cup (115g) Low-Fat Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt (for a tangier flavor)

  • ¼ cup (30g) Vanilla or Strawberry Protein Powder (whey/casein blend or plant-based)

  • 2-3 tbsp (30-45ml) Unsweetened Almond Milk (or milk of choice)

  • 1 tbsp (15g) Light Cream Cheese, softened (optional, for extra richness)

  • ½ tsp Vanilla Extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

  • 4-5 medium Fresh Strawberries, divided

  • 1 tsp Chia Seeds (optional, for thickening)

  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice

  • 1 tsp Sugar-Free Maple Syrup or a drop of liquid stevia (optional, depending on strawberry sweetness)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Sliced strawberry

  • Walnut piece

  • Fresh mint leaf

Equipment

  • 1 Wide-Mouth 8oz (250ml) Glass Jar with Lid

  • Small Food Processor or Blender

  • Small mixing bowls

  • Spoon and spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Jar & Crust

  1. Ensure your glass jar is clean and dry.

  2. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, melted coconut oil, sugar-free maple syrup, and salt. Mix until the walnuts are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.

  3. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your jar using the back of a spoon. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Topping

  1. Dice 3-4 strawberries and place them in a small bowl. Mash them lightly with a fork until you have a chunky sauce.

  2. Stir in the lemon juice, chia seeds (if using), and sweetener (if desired). The chia seeds will help thicken the mixture as it sits. Set aside.

Step 3: Blend the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In your blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt), protein powder, softened cream cheese (if using), and vanilla extract.

  2. Blend on high, pausing to scrape down the sides. While blending, slowly add the almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a very thick, smooth, and spoonable consistency. It should be like a dense whipped cream or frosting. Be careful not to add too much liquid.

Step 4: Assemble the Jar

  1. Layer 1 (Cream): Spoon half of the protein cheesecake filling over the walnut crust. Smooth it out with the back of a spoon or a small spatula.

  2. Layer 2 (Strawberries): Spoon half of the prepared strawberry topping over the first cream layer.

  3. Layer 3 (Cream): Add the remaining cheesecake filling, smoothing the top.

  4. Final Layer (Strawberries): Gently spoon the remaining strawberry topping over the final cream layer.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

  1. Seal the jar with its lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld, the crust to set, and the chia seeds in the strawberry layer to thicken.

  2. Just before serving, garnish with a final sliced strawberry, a walnut piece, or a mint leaf.

  3. Enjoy directly from the jar with a long spoon!

Chef’s Notes & Tips

  • Ingredient Swaps: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts. Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend. Vegan? Use plant-based protein powder, vegan yogurt, and omit the cream cheese.

  • Texture is Key: The protein powder brand and type can absorb liquid differently. Add milk slowly to control the thickness. The filling should be very thick to support the layers.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for making ahead! Prepare jars up to 2-3 days in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator.

  • No Blender? For the filling, use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese and whisk vigorously by hand with the protein powder and a splash of milk until ultra-smooth and thick.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: ~ 380

  • Protein: 35g

  • Carbohydrates: 18g

  • Dietary Fiber: 5g

  • Sugars: 8g (natural from strawberries and dairy)

  • Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

  • Note: Nutritional values are an estimate calculated using low-fat cottage cheese, whey protein powder, and without optional cream cheese. Values will vary based on specific brands and ingredients used. This recipe is high in protein, provides a good source of healthy fats and fiber, and is relatively low in sugar compared to traditional cheesecake.

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