Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Jars

We’ve fallen head over spoon for these Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Jars! They’re a delicious dessert, but with the added bonus of protein to keep you full and satisfied. Each jar is layered with a creamy, tangy filling made with reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim ricotta, delivering all the flavors of classic cheesecake with less saturated fat. Zesty lemon brightens every bite, while juicy blueberries bring a burst of natural, fruity sweetness. These jars are the perfect sweet bite, so grab a spoon and dive in because we’re sharing all our favorite tips for making this dessert. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• You can make your own plant-based protein powder at home for a more budget-friendly option. Start with 1 cup chia seeds, 1 cup hemp seeds and ¼ cup pumpkin seeds. Place ¼ cup each chia seeds, hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds in a spice grinder; pulse just until finely ground, about 10 pulses. Transfer to a bowl or jar; stir to combine. Repeat with 3 more batches to grind the remaining ¾ cup chia seeds and ¾ cup hemp seeds.
• Frozen blueberries work well here, but because they retain water, you won’t need to add any additional water when making the blueberry filling.
• It’s important to chill the blueberry mixture before you add the protein powder, especially if you are using store-bought whey protein powder. If added to something hot, it can clump and turn gritty or rubbery.

Nutrition Notes

• Blueberries are packed with anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Eating more blueberries may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Blueberries are also a good source of fiber, which helps support gut and heart health. 
• Dairy products like ricotta and cream cheese are an easy way to add protein and calcium to this dessert. Eating foods with these nutrients can help support bone health. Opt for part-skim ricotta instead of full-fat ricotta to reduce the calories and saturated fat while still getting the benefits of the protein.