If you’re looking for a healthy dessert option that satisfies your sweet tooth and your protein needs, these Mini Protein Cheesecakes are perfect for you. With over 9 grams of protein per serving, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a creamy cheesecake filling made from Greek yogurt and light cream cheese, this recipe offers indulgence without the guilt. Whether you’re meal-prepping snacks for the week or creating a crowd-pleasing dessert, these mini cheesecakes are sure to be a hit.

Why These Mini Cheesecakes Are Perfect for Meal Prep

These mini protein cheesecakes are ideal for meal prep because they:

Store Well: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze Beautifully: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a quick dessert.
Fit Any Occasion: Serve them at family gatherings, parties, or as a weekday treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in Protein: Each mini cheesecake packs over 9 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious dessert or snack.
Portion-Controlled: By making them in muffin liners, these cheesecakes are perfectly portioned for easy serving and snacking.
Customizable: Add lemon zest for a zesty twist or top with fresh berries for added flavor and nutrition.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and busy schedules.
Lightened Up: Made with Greek yogurt and light cream cheese, this cheesecake is lower in fat and sugar than traditional recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Mini Protein Cheesecakes:

For the Crust

Graham cracker crumbs: Provides the base for a buttery, flavorful crust.
Salted butter: Binds the crumbs together and enhances the flavor.

For the Cheesecake Filling

Cream cheese: The main ingredient for a rich and creamy texture.
Greek yogurt: Adds protein and a light, tangy flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering it.
Egg and egg yolk: Helps set the filling for a smooth and firm texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Lemon juice and zest: Adds a refreshing citrus note (optional but recommended).
Arrowroot starch or cornstarch: Stabilizes the filling for a perfect set.

Here are the essential tools you’ll need for making the Mini Protein Cheesecakes:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few mixing bowls in different sizes to combine the dry ingredients and wet ingredients.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for blending the dry ingredients and whisking the wet ingredients until smooth.
Electric Mixer: An electric hand mixer or Stand Mixer will help you cream all of the ingredients, ensuring a smooth texture.
Muffin Pan: A muffin pan is needed to bake the mini cheesecakes. Make sure it’s well-greased or lined with paper muffin liners.
Measur ing Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps evenly distribute the batter into the muffin cups, ensuring uniform sizes.
Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows the mini cheesecakes to cool evenly after baking, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Here is the full Recipe:

For the Crust

180 g (1 ½ cups) graham cracker crumbs
70 g (5 Tbsp) salted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake

227 g (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
170 g (¾ cup) plain 0% Greek yogurt, room temperature
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
10 ml (2 tsp) lemon juice
½ tsp lemon zest (optional)
8 g (1 Tbsp) arrowroot starch or cornstarch

Directions:

Prepare the Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until finely crushed. Alternatively, place the crackers in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Divide the mixture evenly among the cupcake liners, about 1.5 tablespoons per liner. Press firmly into the bottom of each liner to create a packed crust. Bake the crusts for 5–6 minutes, then let them cool for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with a handheld mixer until smooth. Add the Greek yogurt, sugar, egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), and arrowroot starch. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracking.
Assemble and Bake: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly into the cooled crusts, filling each liner about ¾ full. Bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the centers are set and no longer jiggle. Remove from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool in the tin for 30 minutes before transferring them to the refrigerator.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the filling to fully set. Once chilled, top with fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprig of mint for a decorative touch.

Tips for the Best Mini Cheesecakes

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the filling, leading to cracks.
Allow Cooling Time: Let the cheesecakes cool gradually to avoid sinking or cracking.
Custom Toppings: Try a drizzle of dark chocolate, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.

These Mini Protein Cheesecakes are a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthier dessert option without compromising on flavor. From their buttery graham cracker crust to their creamy, protein-packed filling, they’re a treat you can feel good about indulging in.

Try them for your next family gathering, meal prep, or whenever you need a quick and delicious dessert. Trust us, you’ll want to make these on repeat!

More Baking Ideas:

Pumpkin Spice Pastry – Flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy pumpkin spice filling, perfect for a quick and cozy fall dessert!
Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips – A moist, flavorful banana bread studded with melty chocolate chips, perfect for any time of year!
Pumpkin Crumble Muffins -Moist pumpkin muffins topped with a buttery crumble, combining all the best flavors of fall in one delicious bite.
Mini Apple Pies – Enjoy all the classic flavors of apple pie in these perfectly portioned, bite-sized treats!

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: