Keto No-Bake Protein Cheesecake Cups: A Deliciously Healthy Treat
Hey there, sweet tooths! If you're a fan of cheesecake but looking for a way to keep it keto-friendly and packed with protein, then these Keto No-Bake Protein Cheesecake Cups are about to become your new best friend. I’m super excited to share this easy, no-bake recipe with you because it’s the perfect way to satisfy your cravings without all the sugar and carbs that usually come with traditional cheesecake. These little cups are creamy, rich, and incredibly satisfying, making them the ideal dessert for anyone on a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
What's even better? These cheesecake cups are super easy to make and require no baking, so you don’t even have to turn on the oven! Whether you're looking for a post-workout snack, a quick dessert after dinner, or just a sweet treat to keep in the fridge, these protein-packed cheesecake cups have you covered.
Let’s dive in and get making these delicious cups!
Keto No-Bake Protein Cheesecake Cups Recipe
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (unsweetened, full-fat)
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder (make sure it’s low-carb and keto-friendly)
- 1/4 cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a hint of tanginess)
For Topping (optional):
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- Shredded coconut or chopped nuts (for added crunch)
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a small bowl, combine the almond flour, melted butter, erythritol, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it forms a crumbly, dough-like texture. If the mixture feels too dry, add a tiny bit more melted butter to help it come together.
Next, divide the crust mixture evenly into six small cups or muffin tins. Press the mixture down gently with your fingers to form a compact crust at the bottom of each cup. Place the cups in the fridge while you prepare the cheesecake filling, so the crust can firm up.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt together until smooth and creamy. Add the protein powder, erythritol, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) to the bowl. Continue mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Once the mixture is nice and creamy, slowly pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and beat it again until the filling is fluffy and thick. This step adds a bit of extra richness to the filling while also helping it set as it chills.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Cups
Take your prepared cups with the crust out of the fridge. Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly into each cup, filling them almost to the top. Use a spatula to smooth the tops of the filling and make it look pretty!
Once all the cups are filled, return them to the fridge and let them chill for at least 2 hours, or until the cheesecake filling is firm and set.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Once your cheesecake cups are set, it’s time to get creative with toppings. You can add fresh berries, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for some added texture and flavor. If you want to go extra, drizzle a little sugar-free chocolate sauce on top!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
After the chilling time is up, grab a spoon and dig in! These Keto No-Bake Protein Cheesecake Cups are ready to enjoy and are the perfect way to indulge in a rich, creamy dessert without all the carbs.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
Macro Breakdown:
- Fat: These cheesecake cups are high in healthy fats from the almond flour crust, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Fat is essential in a keto diet, as it helps you stay full and satisfied.
- Protein: The addition of protein powder and Greek yogurt makes these cups a great source of protein, helping with muscle recovery and keeping you full longer.
- Carbs: With just 3g of net carbs per serving, these protein cheesecake cups are a perfect low-carb treat for anyone following the keto diet. Most of the carbs come from fiber, so they won’t spike your blood sugar.
Keto Notes:
These Keto No-Bake Protein Cheesecake Cups are a fantastic keto dessert option because they’re low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and packed with protein. Here’s why this recipe is great for your keto journey:
- Low-Carb Sweeteners: We’re using erythritol or monk fruit as a sweetener, both of which have zero impact on your blood sugar levels.
- Protein Boost: The protein powder and Greek yogurt add a nice boost of protein, which can sometimes be hard to get on a keto diet. Plus, protein helps with muscle maintenance and repair.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you prefer to keep things dairy-free, you can easily swap out the cream cheese for a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Additional Tips:
- Let Them Set: The cheesecake cups need at least 2 hours to chill and set properly. If you have time, leave them in the fridge overnight for a firmer, creamier texture.
- Make Ahead: These cups are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re great to have on hand for a quick snack or dessert.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the filling before you chill it and adjust the sweetness level to your liking. Everyone’s sweet tooth is different, so feel free to add more or less sweetener.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in Protein: These cheesecake cups are packed with protein, thanks to the protein powder and Greek yogurt. Protein keeps you feeling full and content and is necessary for muscle growth and repair.
- Low in Carbs: The combination of almond flour and sweeteners like erythritol ensures that these cups are low-carb, which is essential for anyone on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
- Healthy Fats: The fats from the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and heavy cream are great for keeping you full and providing long-lasting energy.
- Gut Health: Greek yogurt is full of probiotics, which are excellent for digestion and gut health.
Tips & Variations:
- Chocolate Protein Powder: If you prefer chocolate over vanilla, try using chocolate protein powder for a rich and decadent chocolate cheesecake.
- Flavored Protein: You can experiment with different flavored protein powders, like strawberry or cookies and cream, to give the cheesecake cups a unique twist.
- Nut-Free: If you’re allergic to nuts or just prefer a nut-free version, you can swap out the almond flour crust for a coconut flour crust or even use a simple crushed-up keto-friendly cookie base.
Common FAQs:
Can I make these cheesecake cups without protein powder?
Yes! If you don’t have protein powder, you can skip it and just use extra Greek yogurt. The texture may be a bit softer, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Can I freeze these cheesecake cups?
Yes! These cheesecake cups freeze really well. Simply wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely! You can substitute erythritol with any other keto-friendly sweetener, such as stevia or monk fruit. Just adjust the amount based on the sweetness level of the sweetener you’re using.
Friendly Ending:
I hope you enjoy making these Keto No-Bake Protein Cheesecake Cups as much as I do! They’re the perfect combination of creamy, delicious, and healthy, making them an ideal keto dessert or snack. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up and require no baking, which means you can have a satisfying treat ready in no time.
Give them a try, get creative with your toppings, and let me know how they turn out! Happy eating, and may your keto journey be as sweet and satisfying as these cheesecake cups! 😊