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Keto Vanilla Cheesecake Protein Cups - Creamy, Low-Carb, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Full-fat cream cheese (softened)
  • Plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for best texture; unsweetened)
  • Vanilla protein powder (whey isolate or unflavored collagen; low-carb)
  • Powdered erythritol or allulose (or your favorite keto-friendly powdered sweetener)
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional but recommended)
  • Sea salt
  • Coconut oil or unsalted butter (optional, for a silkier finish)
  • Almond flour (optional, for a simple base)
  • Cinnamon (optional, for the base)
  • Silicone muffin cups or a mini muffin tin with liners

Method
 

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Leave it at room temperature for 30–45 minutes. Soft cream cheese blends smooth and prevents lumps.
  2. Set up your cups: Place 8–12 silicone cups on a tray or line a muffin tin. Smaller cups mean smaller portions; choose what suits your macros.
  3. Make an optional base: Mix 1/2 cup almond flour, 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Press a thin layer into each cup. This adds “crust” vibes without baking.
  4. Whisk the creamy base: In a bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt and beat again until silky.
  5. Add the sweet and vanilla: Mix in 1/3–1/2 cup powdered erythritol or allulose (to taste), 1–1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice, and a small pinch of sea salt.
  6. Stir in protein powder: Add 1/3–1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (or unflavored collagen) gradually. Blend gently to avoid over-thickening. If the mixture gets too stiff, add 1–2 tablespoons water or almond milk to loosen.
  7. Optional richness: For extra silkiness, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons melted coconut oil or butter. This helps the cups firm up with a creamy bite.
  8. Taste and adjust: Sweetness can vary by brand. Adjust sweetener, vanilla, or lemon as needed. You want a balanced vanilla cheesecake flavor.
  9. Fill the cups: Spoon or pipe the mixture evenly into your prepared cups. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
  10. Chill to set: Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight for the best texture. The cups should be firm but creamy when pressed lightly.
  11. Garnish (optional): Add a few raspberries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, shaved dark chocolate (90%+), or a dusting of powdered sweetener before serving.
  12. Enjoy: Pop out of the silicone molds or lift the liner and bite in. They’re rich enough that one often does the trick.