Protein Cheesecake Recipe {only 99 Calories}

Name: Protein Cheesecake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 400 grams (14 oz.) Greek yogurt (nonfat or full-fat, thick); 200 grams (7 oz.) cream cheese (low-fat); 3 eggs; 90 grams (½ cup) granular sweetener (I used erythritol); 40 grams (⅓ cup) cornstarch; 1 tsp vanilla extract; a pinch of salt; strawberry jam (I used sugar-free strawberry jam and strawberries)

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This easy Protein Cheesecake is so rich and creamy that you won’t ever guess it is also healthy and low in calories. Made with Greek yogurt, this 99 calorie cheesecake is perfect as an indulgent desserts or as a snacks.

After protein cake, cookies, banana bread and muffins, it was finally time to make protein cheesecake. A real crowd pleaser. It’s rich, creamy and delicious like the original, but packed with protein and low in calories.

I love cheesecake, it’s been my favorite dessert forever. As a kid, a meal at McDonals’s couldn’t end without a huge slice of cookies & cream cheesecake. By the way, if you’ve never had McDonald’s cheesecake, this is your sign to try it as soon as possible. The best, to my mind.

I could eat cheesecake everyday, multiple times a day. However, we all know that it’s not the healthiest food in the planet – packed with fats, sugars and calories. It’s okay to have a slice once in a while, but not on a daily.

Looking for a way to fit the best dessert into my diet, I decided to come up with my own version. It took me some effort, but after some tests I finally made it. This recipe for high protein cheesecake was born.

The best protein cheesecake recipe
Ingredients and substitutes
How to make protein cheesecake?
Variations and dietary adaptations
Recipe tips
Storage directions
More protein desserts
Protein Cheesecake Recipe

The best protein cheesecake recipe

Combining taste and nutrition, this may be the only protein cheesecake recipe you need. Ever since making it for the first time, this dessert has become our new favorite. My girlfriend and I love it, and I bet you’ll love it too! Here are some reasons why:

This Greek yogurt protein cheesecake is rich, creamy and so indulgent; the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Clocking at 99 calories per slice, this recipe is not just delicious. It is also healthy, low calorie and, probably most important, packed with high quality protein.
You only need a couple of simple ingredients to make a yogurt cheesecake high protein. The best thing is that protein powder is not even necessary, so that anyone can indulge guilt-free.
This recipe for protein cheesecake is very easy to make. Combine all ingredients, give it a mix and bake. The hardest part will be waiting until it’s ready.

Ingredients and substitutes

This high protein cheesecake recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Greek yogurt, cream cheese, eggs, nothing that you can’t find at the local grocery store. No need for protein powder! Make sure you read further to learn all details on the recipe ingredients.

Greek yogurt. This recipe requires thick Greek yogurt, a firm texture is essential to ensure a great result. I used low fat Greek yogurt, but also regular full fat yogurt works.
Cream cheese. I used fat free cream cheese, feel free to choose regular cream cheese. If you can easily replace it with diary-free options, cream cheese cannot be substituted with more Greek yogurt.
Eggs. You’ll need 3 large eggs, they are essential for the best protein cheesecake texture. Egg whites alone do not work, you must use whole eggs.
Granular sweetener. Erythritol is my first choice when it comes to sugar-free baking, it replaces sugar in a 1:1 ratio and does not add aftertastes. You can swap it out for any granular sweetener such as xylitol or monk fruit. Other options are coconut sugar, brown sugar and regular sugar.
Cornstarch. Cornstarch is a necessary ingredient, it keeps the cheesecake firm and gives a great consistency. You may substitute cornstarch with all purpose flour, but the dessert texture won’t be exactly the same.
Vanilla extract. A teaspoon vanilla extract enriches the taste profile of this cheeses dessert. If you don’t have it, use vanilla flavor drops.
Sea salt. A pinch of salt balances sweetness and brings out all the good tastes.

Once it is ready, you can enjoy your macro-friendly cheesecake as it is or with extra toppings. I went for fresh strawberries and sugar-free strawberry jam, simple but delicious and satisfying. Other great topping ideas are blueberry jam, sugar-free chocolate syrup, or my low calorie chocolate cream.

How to make protein cheesecake?

Mix Greek yogurt, cream cheese, eggs, sweetener and cornstarch.
In a large bowl, add the eggs and stir together with the granular sweetener, the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. You should get a smooth mixture. Add to the mixture Greek yogurt and cream cheese, then stir thoroughly. Once smooth, sift in the cornstarch in gradual steps, so that it doesn’t form lumps. Mix well, until the starch is fully incorporated in the cheesecake mixture.

Bake high protein cheesecake.
Transfer the yogurt mixture to a prepared cake mold and bake in hot oven at 160°C (320°F) for 40 to 50 minutes. Once it is ready, let it cool at room temperature first. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before topping and slicing.

Variations and dietary adaptations

Here are some ways to adapt this recipe to your own preferences. Whether you follow a specific diet or you just want to give this Greek yogurt cheesecake a twist, read further for some great ideas.

Dairy-free protein cheesecake. Replace Greek yogurt and cream cheese with nondairy alternatives, such as firm soy yogurt and almond cream cheese. Just make sure the yogurt has a good firm texture, it shouldn’t be liquid.
Low-carb protein cheesecake. Besides sweetening with keto sugar alternatives, you should use half corn starch half protein powder.
Cheesecake with protein powder. You can swap out half of the cornstarch for protein powder. However, the dessert won’t be as great in terms of consistency.
Chocolate chip yogurt dessert. Fold through some chocolate chips, I like extra dark chocolate chips but feel free to choose your favorite.
Blueberry yogurt cheesecake. Stir in the mixture a handful of fresh blueberries, and serve with blueberry jam on top.
Peanut butter protein cheesecake. After you pour the mixture to a springform pan, decorate the cheesecake with swirls of peanut butter – and chocolate chips if desired.
Mini cheesecakes. Bake your macro-friendly dessert into many smaller molds, such as the ones you need for muffins.

Recipe tips

Use the right Greek yogurt. Choose high-quality, firm Greek yogurt. This ensures a great cheesecake texture and a smooth, velvety taste.
Don’t skip cream cheese. In this recipe, cream cheese helps make your protein cheesecake richer and creamier. Further, it gives the dessert a great texture.
Choose the right sweetener. I recommend erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, xylitol or allulose, not stevia. Those are the sugar replacements that will add sweetness without changing the taste profile.
Incorporate cornstarch gradually. When preparing the creamy batter, add cornstarch gradually, a bit at a time. This prevents lumps from forming.
Customize to your own preferences. Craft your own dessert by stirring in the mixture some blueberries, strawberries, or chocolate chips. And don’t forget to serve with your favorite toppings.

Storage directions

After baking and allowing the cheesecake to set, you can either serve it right away or keep refrigerated for a maximum of 3 days. If you plan to store it, make sure to place the cake into an airtight food container.

What is the best yogurt for cheesecake?

The best yogurt for cheesecake is thick Greek yogurt. Both nonfat and full fat products are suitable, as long as the texture is firm. If you cannot eat dairy, replace with a plant based yogurt similar to Greek yogurt.

Can I replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt?

No, unfortunately it would not work. This recipe requires a combination of cream cheese and yogurt, or the cheesecake won’t set and get the desired consistency.

How to add more protein?

You can replace half of the amount of cornstarch with a protein powder of your choice, such as vanilla whey protein. However, be aware that the texture won’t be exactly the same.

Can I microwave protein cheesecake?

No, you can’t microwave it. This recipe requires baking – in the oven. And if you only have a microwave, then I suggest trying my single serve microwave cheesecake!

How much protein in cheesecake?

A slice of this dessert provides approximately 10 grams of protein for under 100 calories. The perfect macro friendly dessert for your diet!

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5 from 18 votes