These Chocolate Protein Cheesecake Bars combine Greek yogurt, blended cottage cheese and chocolate protein powder for a creamy chocolate filling over a lighter oat-and-graham crust. The recipe makes nine convenient portions for meal prep.
Ingredients
Lighter Crust
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Chocolate Filling
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust
Pulse or finely crush the oats. Combine with graham crumbs and cocoa. Stir in melted butter or coconut oil, milk and honey or maple syrup. Press firmly into the pan.
3. Blend the Filling
Blend Greek yogurt and cottage cheese until smooth. Add eggs, protein powder, cocoa, sweetener, vanilla and salt. Blend just until combined. Protein powders vary in sweetness and liquid absorption.
4. Assemble
Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly. Add optional mini chocolate chips.
5. Bake
Bake approximately 28–35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center retains a slight wobble. Avoid overbaking.
6. Cool and Chill
Cool the pan, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until thoroughly chilled and firm. Cut into nine bars.
Estimated Nutrition
Per bar (9 servings): approximately 180 calories, 18g protein, 16g carbohydrates and 6g fat.
Nutrition is an estimate. Ingredient brands, optional toppings and portion size will change the final values.
Meal-Prep Tips
- Keep the bars refrigerated in a covered container.
- Chill completely before slicing for cleaner portions.
- Separate stacked bars with parchment.
- Portion individual bars into small containers for grab-and-go meal prep.
Recipe Tips
Blending the cottage cheese helps create a smoother cheesecake-style texture. If your protein powder is already quite sweet, adjust the added sweetener to taste. Different protein powders can bake differently, so use the appearance and texture of the cheesecake as your primary doneness guide.
The CIWO Takeaway
Chocolate Protein Cheesecake Bars turn Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and chocolate protein powder into a convenient make-ahead dessert. Prepare one pan, chill it thoroughly and divide it into nine portions for the week.
