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