No-Bake Cheesecake Jars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 cups cottage cheese (2% milkfat)
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4 tablespoons maple syrup
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3 cups plain Greek yogurt (full fat)
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2 cups graham crackers, crushed
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1 cup fresh berries (or more as desired)
# Instructions:
01 -
Begin by adding the cottage cheese to a large food processor. The cottage cheese will transform from its characteristic lumpy texture into a smooth, creamy base for our cheesecake parfaits. Process for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl if needed, until the cottage cheese becomes completely smooth and silky. Add the maple syrup and blend again until well incorporated. This sweetened, whipped cottage cheese creates a protein-rich alternative to traditional cream cheese.
02 -
Transfer the whipped cottage cheese mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the full-fat Greek yogurt and gently fold everything together using a silicone spatula. The goal is to combine these ingredients thoroughly while maintaining the lightness and air incorporated during processing. This mixture forms the creamy, tangy base of your cheesecake parfaits, with a consistency similar to traditional cheesecake filling but with significantly more protein and less fat.
03 -
Now comes the fun part - assembling your parfaits! Take four glass jars, cups, or dessert glasses with about 8-10 ounce capacity each. Begin layering in this order: first add a generous layer of crushed graham crackers to create the "crust" at the bottom. Next, add a thick layer of your cheesecake mixture, followed by another thinner layer of graham cracker crumbs. Add a layer of fresh berries, then top with a final layer of the cheesecake mixture. The clear glass containers allow you to see the beautiful layers you've created.
04 -
For the finishing touch, top each parfait with additional fresh berries for visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor. These parfaits can be enjoyed immediately, or you can refrigerate them for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften slightly. If you're preparing these ahead of time, add the final berry garnish just before serving to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.
# Notes:
01 -
These protein-packed cheesecake parfaits provide the indulgent flavor of cheesecake with significantly more protein and less fat than traditional versions.
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Feel free to customize these parfaits with different fruits, such as diced peaches, cherries, or mango, depending on what's in season.
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Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days - the graham cracker layers will soften over time for a more cake-like texture.