High Protein Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie (Healthy Dessert Style)

This smoothie tastes like dessert but works like a smart snack. It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with protein to keep you full. You’ll get the classic strawberry cheesecake flavor without turning on the oven or loading up on sugar.

It’s quick enough for busy mornings and cozy enough for an evening treat. If you love a thick, milkshake-like smoothie, this one hits the spot.

What Makes This Special

Close-up detail shot of a thick, freshly blended High Protein Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie being p
  • High protein without chalkiness: Using Greek yogurt and a clean protein powder creates a smooth, rich texture.
  • Real cheesecake flavor: Cream cheese (or cottage cheese) and a touch of vanilla bring that classic tang.
  • Naturally sweetened: Strawberries and a little honey or maple keep it balanced—not overly sweet.
  • Meal-prep friendly: Frozen fruit means you can make it any time, and it blends thick every time.
  • Flexible for goals: Easy to make higher calorie for bulking or lighter for cutting.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 frozen banana (for creaminess; optional but recommended)
  • 3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or 2% for extra creaminess)
  • 1 scoop vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons light cream cheese (or 1/3 cup low-fat cottage cheese)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice), plus more to adjust
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons rolled oats or graham cracker crumbs (optional, for “crust” vibe)
  • Pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice (about 1/2 teaspoon) to brighten
  • Ice as needed for thickness

How to Make It

Overhead final presentation shot of the smoothie served dessert-style: two short, wide glasses fille
  1. Load the blender: Add almond milk, Greek yogurt, cream cheese (or cottage cheese), protein powder, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.
  2. Add fruit: Toss in frozen strawberries and the frozen banana.
  3. Optional add-ins: Sprinkle in oats or graham crumbs for that cheesecake crust flavor.
  4. Blend until creamy: Start low, then increase speed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.

    If it’s thin, add a few ice cubes.

  5. Sweeten to taste: Blend in honey or maple, a little at a time, until it tastes like dessert without being cloying.
  6. Serve cold: Pour into a chilled glass. Top with a strawberry slice or a dusting of crumbs if you like.

Keeping It Fresh

For the best texture, drink it right after blending. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Shake well before drinking, or re-blend with a few ice cubes to revive the thickness. You can also freeze in silicone molds for smoothie cubes and blend later with a splash of milk.

Health Benefits

  • Protein for satiety and recovery: Greek yogurt and protein powder support muscle repair and keep hunger in check.
  • Probiotics and calcium: Yogurt adds gut-friendly bacteria and minerals for bones and teeth.
  • Antioxidants: Strawberries deliver vitamin C and polyphenols that support skin and immune health.
  • Balanced macros: Carbs from fruit, protein from dairy or plant sources, and a touch of fat for flavor and absorption.

What Not to Do

  • Don’t skip the acid: Leaving out the lemon makes the flavor flat. That tiny tang is what says “cheesecake.”
  • Don’t overload sweeteners: Too much honey masks the strawberry flavor and bumps calories fast.
  • Don’t use only fresh fruit without ice: You’ll lose the thick, milkshake texture.

    Use frozen fruit or add ice.

  • Don’t blend too long with whey: Over-blending can make it foamy. Stop when smooth.

Alternatives

  • Dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt, plant protein, and dairy-free cream cheese. Almond or oat milk both work.
  • Lower calorie: Skip the banana and oats, use nonfat Greek yogurt, and go light on sweetener.
  • Higher calorie: Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter, use 2% yogurt, and include the oats.
  • No protein powder: Increase Greek yogurt to 1 cup and add 2 tablespoons cottage cheese for extra protein.
  • Flavor twists: Add a few drops of almond extract, swap half the strawberries for raspberries, or blend in a pinch of cinnamon.

FAQ

How much protein is in this smoothie?

With Greek yogurt and one scoop of protein powder, you’ll typically get around 30–40 grams of protein, depending on your brands and amounts.

Can I make it without banana?

Yes.

Replace the banana with extra strawberries and a handful of ice, or add 1–2 tablespoons of oats for creaminess without banana flavor.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Use low-fat cottage cheese. It blends silky smooth and gives that tangy cheesecake note with even more protein.

Is it okay for breakfast?

Absolutely. It’s balanced, filling, and quick.

Pair it with a slice of whole grain toast or a handful of nuts if you need extra calories.

Can I use fresh strawberries?

Yes, but the texture will be thinner. Add ice or freeze the berries first to keep it thick and frosty.

What’s the best protein powder to use?

A clean, vanilla-flavored whey or a smooth plant-based blend works best. Look for one that dissolves well and isn’t overly sweet.

Wrapping Up

This High Protein Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie gives you dessert vibes with smart nutrition.

It’s creamy, bright, and easy to customize for your goals. Keep some frozen strawberries on hand, and you can make this any time a sweet, satisfying craving hits—no baking required.

High Protein Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie (Healthy Dessert Style) - Creamy, Satisfying, and Simple

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 frozen banana (for creaminess; optional but recommended)
  • 3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or 2% for extra creaminess)
  • 1 scoop vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons light cream cheese (or 1/3 cup low-fat cottage cheese)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice), plus more to adjust
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons rolled oats or graham cracker crumbs (optional, for “crust” vibe)
  • Pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice (about 1/2 teaspoon) to brighten
  • Ice as needed for thickness

Instructions
 

  • Load the blender: Add almond milk, Greek yogurt, cream cheese (or cottage cheese), protein powder, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.
  • Add fruit: Toss in frozen strawberries and the frozen banana.
  • Optional add-ins: Sprinkle in oats or graham crumbs for that cheesecake crust flavor.
  • Blend until creamy: Start low, then increase speed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.If it’s thin, add a few ice cubes.
  • Sweeten to taste: Blend in honey or maple, a little at a time, until it tastes like dessert without being cloying.
  • Serve cold: Pour into a chilled glass. Top with a strawberry slice or a dusting of crumbs if you like.

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