Description
A delicious lemon protein cheesecake that is rich and creamy, perfect for a healthy dessert option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 oz cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese)
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (or dairy free alternative)
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 2/3 cup sweetener (of choice)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 crust (of choice)
Instructions
- Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature, so it will be easier to blend.
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit (177° Celsius). Fill any baking pan about two thirds of the way up with water, then set this pan aside.
- Prepare crust of choice (if using a crust) in an 8 or 9 inch springform pan.
- In a large food processor, or in two batches in a smaller food processor, beat softened cream cheese, yogurt, protein powder, sweetener, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla extract just until smooth. Do not over-whip, which could introduce air bubbles and cause cracking.
- Spread the lemon protein cheesecake filling into your prepared crust or the bottom of a greased springform pan for a crustless option. Smooth out the top.
- Place the baking pan of water on the lower rack of the oven, then place the cheesecake pan on the center rack. Bake 30 minutes.
- Without opening the oven, turn off the heat and let the recipe sit in the closed oven another 5 minutes. This allows the cheesecake to cool down slowly.
- Remove from the oven and cool fully on the counter. Then refrigerate uncovered for at least 6 hours or overnight, during which time it will firm up considerably.
- Slice and enjoy. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer term storage.
Notes
- This cheesecake can be customized with different crust options or enjoyed crustless.
- For a vegan version, ensure all ingredients are dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg