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Strawberry Protein Cheesecake Jars - Creamy, Fresh, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the strawberry layer: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (frozen works too)
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker sauce)
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the crust: 8–10 light graham crackers (or 1 cup crushed oats/almond cookies)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the cheesecake cream: 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt (or skyr)
  • 1 scoop (25–30g) vanilla whey or plant protein
  • 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar or sweetener of choice, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but brightens the flavor)
  • Pinch of salt
  • To serve: Fresh strawberry slices
  • Mint leaves (optional)
  • Extra crushed crackers for topping (optional)

Method
 

  1. Make the strawberry sauce: Add strawberries, syrup, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to a small pot. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring as the berries soften and release juices. If you want it thicker, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 more minutes. Let cool completely.
  2. Prepare the crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Stir in melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. The mixture should feel like damp sand and hold when pressed. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon more melted butter.
  3. Whip the cheesecake cream: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, protein powder, sweetener, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until silky, scraping the bowl so there are no lumps. Adjust sweetness to taste.
  4. Layer the jars: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of crust into the bottom of each jar and press lightly. Add a thick layer of cheesecake cream. Spoon strawberry sauce on top. Repeat layers if your jars are tall, finishing with strawberries.
  5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours so the flavors meld and the layers set. Overnight is even better.
  6. Garnish and serve: Add fresh strawberry slices, a few mint leaves, and a sprinkle of crumbs before serving.