Description
These Cranberry Protein Cheesecake Cups are a delightful, easy-to-make, no-bake individual dessert. They combine creamy cheesecake with a tangy cranberry swirl and an added protein boost, perfect for a healthy snack, holiday treat, or guilt-free indulgence. They are quick to prepare and ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner in a 12-cup muffin tin. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact, even layer. Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
2. 2. Make the Cranberry Swirl: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. You can mash some of the cranberries with a fork for a smoother sauce, or leave them mostly whole for more texture.
3. 3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Be careful not to overmix.
4. 4. Assemble the Cheesecake Cups: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crusts in the muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top.
5. 5. Create the Swirl: Drizzle about 1-2 teaspoons of the cooled cranberry sauce over the top of each cheesecake cup. Using a toothpick or a small skewer, gently swirl the cranberry sauce into the cheesecake filling to create a beautiful marbled effect.
6. 6. Chill to Set: Cover the muffin tin loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the cheesecake cups are firm and set. For best results, an overnight chill is even better.
7. 7. Serve and Enjoy: Once fully chilled, carefully remove the cheesecake cups from the muffin tin by lifting the paper liners. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, protein-packed dessert!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: no-bake
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake cup
Keywords: cheesecake, cranberry, protein, no-bake, dessert, individual, healthy, snack, holiday, easy
