Easy Cheesecake Jars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
3 cups full-fat plain Greek yogurt
02 -
1 cup fresh berries, with more if you'd like
03 -
2 cups smashed graham crackers
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4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
05 -
2 cups 2% cottage cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Pop the cottage cheese into a big food processor. Blend for about 1 to 2 minutes until it looks velvety smooth, ditching its usual bumpy look. Don’t forget to scrape the sides if needed. After it’s silky, drizzle in the maple syrup and give it another whirl until mixed nicely. This fluffy and sweet mixture works great as a cream cheese replacement.
02 -
Scoop the whipped cottage cheese into a large bowl. Toss the Greek yogurt on top and use a soft spatula to gently fold them together. You want it all blended but still airy. This creamy combo makes the base that’s both tart and rich, similar to cheesecake filling but healthier.
03 -
Time to get creative! Grab four jars or glasses (8-10 ounces each). Start with a layer of the crushed graham crackers on the bottom. Spoon in a nice thick layer of the creamy cheese-yogurt mix next. Add a smaller sprinkling of graham crackers. Then, toss in some fresh berries. Finish it off with another layer of the creamy mixture on top. The see-through glasses make those colorful layers stand out!
04 -
Top each jar with extra fresh berries to make it pop and taste even better. You can eat them right away or pop them into the fridge for an hour or two. Letting them sit will soften the graham crackers a bit for a different texture. If you're making them in advance, hold off on the berry garnish until you’re ready to serve so they stay fresh.
# Notes:
01 -
Packed with protein, these cheesecake parfaits give you all the creamy goodness of traditional cheesecake but with way less fat.
02 -
Swap out the berries for other fruits like juicy mangoes, diced peaches, or cherries if that’s what you’ve got handy.
03 -
Keep them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Over time, the graham crackers will soak up moisture and become more cake-like.