Festive, creamy mini cheesecakes with a protein boost and a low-carb almond crust. Perfect for holiday desserts, party trays, or portion-controlled treats.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
Ingredients
Low-Carb Protein Crust
- 1 cup (100 g) almond flour
- ¼ cup (25 g) vanilla whey protein isolate
- 3 tbsp powdered monk fruit or erythritol sweetener
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp melted butter
High-Protein Cheesecake Filling
- 12 oz (340 g) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese, blended smooth
- ½ cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 scoops (60 g) vanilla whey protein isolate
- ⅓ cup (65 g) powdered monk fruit or erythritol sweetener
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Christmas Toppings (Optional)
- Sugar-free red and green sprinkles
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries (small amount)
- Sugar-free whipped cream
- Chopped pecans
- Sugar-free chocolate drizzle
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- Mix almond flour, protein powder, sweetener, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter.
- Press about 1 tablespoon of crust mixture into each liner.
- Bake for 8 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let cool slightly.
2. Make the Filling
- Blend cottage cheese until completely smooth.
- Beat cream cheese until creamy.
- Add blended cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, sweetener, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.
- Mix in whey protein powder.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently until combined.
3. Bake
- Divide filling evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until the centers are set but slightly soft.
- Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
4. Decorate
Add whipped cream, berries, sprinkles, pecans, or chocolate drizzle before serving.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Mini Cheesecake)
- Calories: 155
- Protein: 14 g
- Total Carbs: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Net Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 9 g
