This High Protein Strawberry Cheesecake Jar is the perfect solution when you’re craving something creamy, sweet, and decadent but want to stick to your health goals. It layers a silky, protein-packed cheesecake mousse with a vibrant, no-cook strawberry chia jam.
Made in just minutes with simple ingredients, these jars are great for meal prep—grab one from the fridge for a quick breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or a guilt-free dessert.
The Grocery List (Ingredients)
*Makes 2-3 jars (depending on size)*
For the “No-Cook” Strawberry Chia Jam:
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1 cup Fresh or Frozen Strawberries (if using frozen, thaw slightly)
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1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
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1 teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup (optional, depending on sweetness of berries)
For the High-Protein Cheesecake Layer:
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1 cup (8 oz) Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt (or skyr)
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4 oz (½ block) Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
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1 scoop (about 30g) Vanilla or Cheesecake Flavored Protein Powder (whey, casein, or a blend works best for texture)
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1-2 tablespoons Milk (any kind), to adjust consistency
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½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
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Optional: Pinch of salt or lemon zest to brighten the flavor
For Garnish (Optional):
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Crumbled Graham Crackers or a high-protein granola
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Fresh strawberry slices
The Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Chia Jam
This isn’t your traditional cooked jam—it comes together in minutes.
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In a small bowl, add the strawberries. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash them to your desired consistency (leave some chunks for texture, or mash until smooth).
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Stir in the chia seeds and sweetener (if using) .
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Mix thoroughly and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and swell, creating a gel-like jam texture.
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Stir again before assembling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
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In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the Greek yogurt. Whisk or beat with a fork until completely smooth with no lumps.
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Add the protein powder, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk. Stir vigorously. The mixture will be very thick. Add the remaining milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a creamy, mousse-like consistency that’s easy to spoon.
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Taste the filling. Depending on your protein powder and yogurt, you may want to add a touch of honey or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Step 3: Layer the Jars
Grab two or three small jars (8-oz mason jars work perfectly).
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First Layer: Spoon a generous layer of the strawberry chia jam into the bottom of each jar.
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Second Layer: Gently spoon or pipe half of the cheesecake filling over the jam. Tap the jar lightly on the counter to settle the layer.
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Repeat: If you have enough space in your jars, repeat the layers for a more dramatic look. Finish with a cheesecake layer on top.
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Garnish: If you want that classic cheesecake feel, sprinkle a teaspoon of crushed graham crackers or high-protein granola over the top. Add a fresh strawberry slice.
Step 4: Chill and Set
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Place the jars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the chia jam to fully set and the cheesecake layer to firm up, melding the flavors together beautifully.
Storage and Meal Prep
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Storage: Store the jars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.
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Pro Tip: If you’re meal-prepping for the week and want the granola to stay crunchy, store it in a separate small bag and sprinkle it on just before eating.
Pro-Tips for Success
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Protein Powder Choice: Whey or casein-based powders work best. Plant-based proteins can sometimes be gritty; if using one, you may want to blend the filling in a small blender for extra smoothness.
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Soften Your Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese will leave you with a lumpy filling. Let it sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes, or microwave it for 10 seconds to soften.
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Make it Vegan: Use a dairy-free cream cheese, plain vegan yogurt, and a plant-based protein powder. Maple syrup works perfectly as the sweetener.
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No Protein Powder? You can omit it and add an extra ½ cup of Greek yogurt and a tablespoon of honey or sugar. It will be lower in protein but still delicious