These no-bake high-protein cheesecake jars are one of those recipes that feel almost too easy for how satisfying they are. With just five simple ingredients and no oven required, you can have a creamy, cheesecake-style dessert ready in minutes. Each jar packs an impressive 30 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the combination of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeLately, these protein cheesecake jars have become a staple dessert in my kitchen. They’re quick to assemble, incredibly creamy, and hit that sweet spot when you’re craving something indulgent but still nourishing. Whether you’re meal-prepping desserts for the week or throwing together a last-minute treat, these jars deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Picture a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling layered with crunchy graham cracker crumbs and juicy berries — all served in a single jar. It’s simple, satisfying, and surprisingly close to traditional cheesecake without the baking, water baths, or long chill times.
Why These Protein Cheesecake Jars Work So Well
- You only need five basic ingredients, most of which you may already have on hand.
- The flavor and texture are remarkably close to classic cheesecake, but with far less time and effort.
- No baking, no complicated steps, and no special equipment beyond a blender or food processor.
- These jars are easy to customize with different fruits, toppings, or sweeteners.
- Perfect for meal prep, post-workout snacks, or a high-protein dessert option.
Ingredients for No-Bake Protein Cheesecake Jars
Everything you need to make these cheesecake jars is straightforward and easy to find:
- Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is the star of this recipe. It’s a soft, mild-flavored cheese that becomes incredibly creamy once blended. I recommend using 2% milk fat cottage cheese for the best balance of richness and protein. Low-fat versions tend to be less creamy. Half a cup of 2% cottage cheese contains about 12 grams of protein, making it a fantastic base for this dessert. - Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt adds tang, thickness, and extra protein. You can use low-fat or full-fat, but full-fat Greek yogurt creates a richer, more cheesecake-like texture. Greek yogurt is thicker and lower in sugar than regular yogurt, which makes it ideal for this recipe.
Maple syrup or honey
Either option works beautifully here. Be sure to use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor. Adjust the amount based on how sweet you like your cheesecake.
Graham crackers
These create the classic cheesecake “crust” layer. You can crush whole graham crackers yourself or use store-bought graham cracker crumbs to save time.
Berries
Fresh berries add brightness and balance to the creamy filling. Strawberries work especially well, but blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries are all great choices.
How to Make No-Bake Protein Cheesecake Jars
Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Add the cottage cheese to a food processor or high-powered blender. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no visible lumps. Add the maple syrup (or honey) and blend again until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Combine with Greek Yogurt
Transfer the whipped cottage cheese to a mixing bowl. Add the Greek yogurt and gently fold everything together using a silicone spatula. Mixing by hand helps keep the filling smooth and thick without over-blending.
Step 3: Prepare the Jar Layers
Spoon a layer of crushed graham crackers into the bottom of each jar. Add a generous layer of the cheesecake mixture on top. Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, followed by chopped berries, and finish with one last layer of cheesecake filling.
Step 4: Serve or Store
Top each jar with extra berries or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. This recipe makes about four jars, depending on jar size.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- This recipe yields four servings, but you can use smaller jars to stretch it into more portions.
- Adjust the amount of graham cracker crumbs based on how crunchy you like your cheesecake layers.
- Blending the cottage cheese by itself first is key. Mixing it with the Greek yogurt in the processor can prevent the mixture from becoming fully smooth.
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
Make-Ahead and Storage Notes
- Meal Prep: These protein cheesecake jars keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them with lids tightly sealed.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture changes once thawed.
Quick & Easy High Protein Cheesecake Jar
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes40
minutes420
kcalThese creamy cottage cheese cheesecake jars with 30grams of protein are a no-bake dessert made with Greek yogurt, maple syrup, graham crackers, and fresh berries. Easy to prepare, perfectly layered, and ideal for a make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese, 2%
4 tablespoons maple syrup
3 cups plain Greek yogurt, full fat
2 cups crushed graham crackers
1 cup berries
Directions
- Add the cottage cheese to a food processor and blend for 1 to 2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add the maple syrup to the whipped cottage cheese and blend again until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and gently mix in the Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Layer graham crackers, cheesecake mixture, graham crackers, berries, and more cheesecake mixture into jars.
- Top with additional berries and serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- This recipe yields four servings, but you can use smaller jars to stretch it into more portions.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories420
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
8g
11%
- Trans Fat 0.01g
- Cholesterol 22mg 8%
- Sodium 650mg 29%
- Potassium 460mg 10%
- Total Carbohydrate
60g
22%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Total Sugars 30g
- Protein 30g 60%
- Calcium 310mg 24%
- Iron 4mg 23%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
