This dessert is perfect for anyone who loves working out and wants a high-protein sweet treat. This high-protein pistachio cheesecake is creamy, delicious, and super easy to prepare. The whole cheesecake has about 215 g of protein, or 30 g of protein in each slice.

We have prepared this recipe many times, sometimes as a big cheesecake, and then we separate it into slices. Sometimes, we prepare it in ramekins when we want just one portion; it is always a hit in my family.

We originally shared this recipe a year ago, and it’s been retested recently to try to make it even better, and that’s what we did. Making any high-protein cheesecake is very satisfying; you know you are easily hitting your protein goal while enjoying a sweet treat.

I personally always love ending my day with a sweet treat, and we always have a rotation of recipes so we don’t eat the same ones every week. This week, we are doing a high-protein pistachio cheesecake and a cookies-and-cream protein cheesecake.

Why is this protein cheesecake better than any other

As professional bakers and gym lovers, we care about two things: the flavor of the dessert, and the amount of protein we eat every day.

This protein cheesecake is super creamy; it’s baked till perfection at a lower temperature to have a creamier texture.

Yes, we are using protein powder in this recipe, and that is not something bad. Use your favorite whey protein powder; we are using a vanilla-flavored powder from PROZIS, where you can use the code archersfood for a discount. It’s important that you use a protein powder that you LOVE, since it will affect the flavor.

It’s packed in protein; we are using high-quality cottage cheese, eggs, protein powder, and pistachios as the main protein sources in this recipe. It’s important you use a high-quality cottage cheese; cheaper options are normally too sour, unless you have tried it and love it!

Grab these ingredients

• Biscuits: Use your favorite biscuits for this recipe; you could even go for a high-protein biscuit you like, and that will increase the protein of the cheesecake at the end. We chose Biscoff; you can never go wrong with Biscoff cookies. They are delicious.
• Butter: unsalted melted butter, we will use it to prepare the cookie crust.
• Cottage cheese: choose any cottage cheese you love; we are using a 0% fat one. You will need to blend it. If you use a blender, it will end up with a super smooth paste, like cream cheese. If you use an immersion blender, you will end up with some lumps.
• Eggs: We are using eggs and egg yolks; they are high in protein. Adding egg yolks to the cheesecake gives us an even creamier cheesecake.
• Pistachio spread: it’s rich, delicious, and perfect for this dessert. We are using the brand Pisti for this recipe.
• Greek yogurt: even creamier than any other plain yogurt.
• Pure vanilla bean paste: the quality of the vanilla matters! They will elevate this protein dessert.
• Protein powder: Use a protein powder you love; that is so important, you don’t want to use a protein powder you dislike because then, you will not like the cheesecake.
• Salt: it enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Essential for this, and any other dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: We are reducing the amount of sugar, but we are still using it. You could use honey or maple syrup instead as a healthier option.
• Pistachios: They add a very nice crunch to the cheesecake, which we are using to decorate.

How to make cottage cheese smooth

We never want to have a lumpy cheesecake; it’s always a NO-NO in my kitchen. In any normal cheesecake recipe we have posted on our website, we are using cream cheese, and that is naturally smooth. For this recipe, we are using cottage cheese, which, if you don’t know, comes in a way different texture.

To understand better, if you have never seen cottage cheese before, it’s formed by little curds. We will blend it for this recipe, unless you like a chunky consistency in the cheesecake.

When you blend the cottage cheese, you have different options: a blender, an immersion blender, or a food processor. If you have a normal blender available, it’s the best option. It will give you the creamiest texture, similar to a creamy cream cheese.

Sadly, we didn’t have one available, and ours was slightly chunkier, which is fine at the end. We ended up passing the whole mixture through a sieve.

How to make a very high-protein cheesecake

There are always specific ingredients you will need to add to your cheesecake if you want it to be very high in protein; each recipe requires completely different ingredients, but they all have a similarity.

Cottage cheese, eggs, milk powder, ricotta, protein powder, and nuts are ingredients that most high-protein dessert recipes have in common.

Overview: How to make a protein Cheesecake

We start by creating a nice crust by using fine crumbs and butter. This will hold our cheesecake together and give it a nice texture.

Prepare the cheesecake filling and pour it on the crust.

We will need to blend the cottage cheese for the filling so it has a nice and smooth texture. To avoid any unnecessary lumps, we will need to pass the mixture through a sieve. This will give us a very smooth and nice cheesecake.

It’s important when we prepare the cheesecake filling to use room-temperature ingredients.

Bake the cheesecake; this is key for the texture. Since we are looking for a nice and creamy cheesecake, we need to bake it at a slower temperature and for a slightly longer time.

BEST TIPS to make a pistachio protein cheesecake

To have a protein cheesecake that is delicious and creamy, we need to follow the next tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients; this helps with easily incorporating them into the cheesecake batter.
• Blend the cottage cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
• If you want to make it even higher in protein, use protein biscuits, add milk powder, and use a high-protein Greek yogurt. This will increase the amount of protein in each slice.
• Decorate however you want to, use different nuts if you’d like.
• Gently cool the cheesecake. To avoid having cracks on your cheesecake, you need to cool it very gently. After baking it for 1 hour, turn off the oven and leave it in it. After 1 hour, gently release the latch of the springform pan and tighten it again; this will help by removing pressure from all sides, which is typically what cracks a cheesecake. Let it cool for 1 hour in the oven with the door half open, then let it cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cool, refrigerate. Any high contrast of temperatures can generate cracks.

Tools you definitely need for this pistachio cheesecake

• Blender: to blend the cottage cheese into a creamy paste.
• Food processor: finely blend the cookies into fine crumbs.
• Mixing bowls: to prepare the cheesecake mixture.
• Whisk: to mix all of the ingredients.
• Sieve: for a smooth cheesecake batter.
• Springform pan: 8-inch 20 cm round pan with a removable bottom.
• Knife and cutting board: to finely chop the pistachios.

Decorate and serve this cheesecake

This is the decoration we chose for our pistachio cheesecake. If you want to do anything different, it’s up to you!:)

Start by melting the pistachio spread. I use a pan to gently melt it. You can use the microwave, stirring every 15-20 seconds until it’s smooth. Pour it over the cheesecake.

The crust will hold the pistachio spread, unless it accidentally falls on the floor and you break it, cough, cough, (me).

Finely chop some pistachios and sprinkle them over the sides. Just letting it sit for a couple of minutes will harden the pistachio layer since the cheesecake is cold.

Storing tips and how to freeze

Refrigerate this pistachio protein cheesecake for up to 3-4 days. To store it for longer, I recommend you freeze it.

The best way to freeze a cheesecake is by slicing it into portions. Prepare a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze the slices for 4-5 hours, until it hardens. Then, you can transfer them into a freezer container or bag.

Every time you need a 30 g protein treat, all you need to do is thaw it in the fridge overnight and enjoy!

If you love and tried this recipe, don’t forget to add a star-rated review below, it’s the best way to support us! This recipe is part of our protein meal plan program. 

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