Berry Protein Cheesecake Parfaits

$- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, low-fat) - 1 cup cream cheese (softened, low-fat) - 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 1 cup granola (preferably nutty or berry-flavored) These ingredients create a creamy and tasty treat. The Greek yogurt adds protein, while the cream cheese gives it that rich texture. Honey or maple syrup provides sweetness. The mixed berries bring freshness and flavor, and granola adds a nice crunch. - Fresh mint leaves for garnish - Additional sweeteners like agave syrup - Different types of nuts for added crunch You can change this recipe to fit your taste. If you want a fresh touch, add mint leaves. If you like it sweeter, try agave syrup instead. Swap granola for nuts for a unique twist. - Calories: About 150 per serving - Protein: Roughly 8 grams - Carbohydrates: Around 20 grams - Fat: Approximately 6 grams - Fiber: About 2 grams This dessert is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving packs protein and fiber, which keep you full. The mix of berries adds vitamins and antioxidants, making this parfait a smart choice for a sweet treat. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need Greek yogurt, cream cheese, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Use a whisk to blend them well. Add honey or maple syrup next. This sweetens your mixture. Finally, add the vanilla extract. Mix until your cheesecake mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps. This creamy base is key to the whole parfait. Now it’s time to build your parfaits. Grab some clear glasses or jars. Start by adding a spoonful of your creamy cheesecake mixture at the bottom of each glass. Next, layer in the mixed berries. Use strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for color and taste. After the berries, sprinkle a layer of granola on top. This adds a nice crunch. Repeat these layers until you fill the glasses. Finish with a layer of berries on top for a pretty look. To let the flavors blend, cover the parfaits with plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is important. It helps the flavors meld into a tasty treat. When you are ready to serve, take them out of the fridge. For a bright touch, add fresh mint leaves on top. This makes your parfaits look fancy and adds extra flavor too. Enjoy your delicious and healthy berry protein cheesecake parfaits! To make your cheesecake mixture smooth, start with softened cream cheese. If you use cold cream cheese, it may clump. Mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Whisk until there are no lumps. A hand mixer can help if you want it super smooth. The perfect texture is creamy and light, which makes each bite delightful. You can play with flavors to make this parfait your own. Try adding a splash of lemon juice for zest. You could also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist. For a berry burst, blend some berries into the cheesecake mixture. This adds both flavor and color, making it even more fun to eat. Pair your parfait with fresh mint leaves. They add a nice touch of flavor and color. Serve your parfaits in clear glasses to show off the layers. You can also add a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness. If you want a crunch, serve with extra granola on the side. These tips help make your dessert look great and taste even better! Pro Tips Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt as specified. You can also substitute honey with unsweetened applesauce. Berry Variations: Feel free to mix and match your favorite berries. Blackberries and cherries also work beautifully in this parfait. Layering Technique: To create visually appealing layers, use a piping bag to add the cheesecake mixture for cleaner lines between layers. Make Ahead: These parfaits can be prepared a day in advance. Just layer and refrigerate, then garnish with mint right before serving. {{image_2}} You can mix and match berries for your parfaits. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work well together. You can also use blackberries or cherries for a fun twist. Each berry brings its own flavor and color. This makes your parfaits look and taste amazing. Try different combinations to find your favorite mix. You can swap honey or maple syrup for other sweeteners. Stevia gives a sweet taste without extra calories. Agave syrup offers a mild flavor and is easy to use. Keep in mind that different sweeteners can change the taste. Always taste the mixture as you go. Adjust the sweetness to fit your liking. If you want a dairy-free or vegan parfait, there are great options. Use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt made from nuts or soy. You can also try coconut yogurt for a tropical twist. Make sure to check labels for added sugars. This way, you enjoy a yummy dessert that fits your diet. To keep your Berry Protein Cheesecake Parfaits fresh, store them in the fridge. Use airtight containers or cover them tightly with plastic wrap. This helps keep moisture in and prevents any odors from spoiling the taste. Make sure to layer them carefully so they don’t mix or spill. If you plan to serve them later, wait to add the granola until just before serving. This keeps it crunchy. Your parfaits will last about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the berries may get mushy, and the granola will lose its crunch. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it’s best to toss them. Always check before you eat! You can freeze these parfaits, but it requires some care. Freeze them in single-serving containers. Skip the granola when you freeze. Add it right before you eat. Thaw the parfaits in the fridge overnight before serving. They can last about 2 months in the freezer. However, the texture may change slightly when thawed, so keep that in mind. Yes, you can make these parfaits ahead of time. In fact, making them a few hours or even a day in advance helps the flavors blend nicely. Just follow the steps to layer the parfaits, then cover them with plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to serve. This makes it easy to enjoy a delicious dessert anytime. The best way to layer the parfaits is to start with the cheesecake mixture. Spoon a generous amount into the bottom of your glass. Next, add a layer of mixed berries. I like to use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for color. Then, sprinkle a layer of granola for crunch. Repeat these layers until you reach the top of the glass. Finish with a layer of berries. This method looks great and tastes amazing! To make these parfaits lower in calories, swap out cream cheese for a lower-fat version. You can also use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup. Choosing a lighter granola or using less of it will help too. You can even use Greek yogurt that is fat-free. These small changes keep the dessert tasty while reducing calories. This blog post covered how to make creamy cheesecake parfaits step by step. You learned about key ingredients, tips for perfect texture, and various flavor options. We also discussed storage best practices and answered common questions. These parfaits are simple and fun to make. I encourage you to try different flavors and share your creations. Enjoy your delicious treats and impress your friends!$

Berry Protein Cheesecake Parfaits

Delicious and nutritious parfaits made with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and mixed berries.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, low-fat)
1 cup cream cheese (softened, low-fat)
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1 cup granola (preferably nutty or berry-flavored)
to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
In serving glasses or jars, begin layering the parfaits. Start with a generous spoonful of the cheesecake mixture at the bottom of each glass.
Add a layer of mixed berries on top of the cheesecake mixture, ensuring a good mix of colors for visual appeal.
Sprinkle a layer of granola over the berries for added crunch and texture.
Repeat the layers until you fill the glasses or jars, finishing with a layer of berries on top.
Cover the parfaits with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
When ready to serve, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and enhanced flavor.

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Keyword berries, cheesecake, healthy dessert, parfaits