If you’re looking for a quick, healthy dessert that tastes like a treat but takes almost no effort, these 5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Jars are exactly what you need. Creamy, lightly sweet, and perfectly portioned, this recipe delivers classic cheesecake flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients — no baking required.
Whether you’re prepping a weeknight dessert, planning a brunch spread, or need a make-ahead option for guests, these cheesecake jars are an easy win.
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Jars
- Only 5 core ingredients for the cheesecake base
- No baking required, perfect for warm days
- Creamy, smooth texture with a protein boost
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
- Beautiful enough to serve to guests, easy enough for everyday
This recipe proves that healthy desserts don’t have to feel boring or complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cheesecake Base
- 1 ¼ cups cottage cheese
- 1 ¼ cups Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste
- Pinch of salt
For the Layers
- 6 graham crackers, crushed
- 2 ½ teaspoons cacao powder
- 1 chocolate bar, shaved or melted
- 1 fruit of choice (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries work best)
How to Make Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Jars
Step 1: Blend the Cheesecake Base
Add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla paste, and salt to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. This step is key — blending removes the curds and creates a true cheesecake-like texture.
Step 2: Create a Chocolate Layer (Optional)
Scoop about one-third of the cheesecake mixture into a bowl and stir in the cacao powder until smooth. This adds a rich chocolate layer that makes the jars feel extra special.
Step 3: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crumbs
Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling with a rolling pin.
Step 4: Assemble the Jars
Start with a layer of graham cracker crumbs at the bottom of each jar. Add a layer of plain cheesecake mixture, followed by fruit and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Repeat the layers, finishing with fruit and chocolate on top.
Step 5: Chill or Serve
You can serve these jars immediately, or chill them in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to help the layers set and flavors meld.
Tips & Variations
- Extra smooth texture: Blend the cottage cheese first before adding other ingredients
- Dairy-free option: Use thick plant-based yogurt and dairy-free cottage-style alternatives
- Sweeter dessert: Add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup if desired
- Flavor swap: Add lemon zest for a bright, classic cheesecake flavor
- Meal prep friendly: Store covered jars in the fridge for up to 3 days
Easy 5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Jars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 jars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Jars are a creamy, no-bake dessert made with blended cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, sweetened with maple syrup and vanilla, then layered with graham cracker crumbs, fruit, and chocolate.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups cottage cheese
1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla paste
Pinch of salt
6 graham crackers, crushed
2 1/2 tsp cacao powder (optional, for chocolate layer)
1 chocolate bar, shaved or melted (optional topping)
1 cup fruit of choice (berries recommended)
Instructions
1. Blend cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla paste, and salt until completely smooth.
2. (Optional) Mix cacao powder into about 1/3 of the blended cheesecake mixture to create a chocolate layer.
3. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.
4. Layer graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of 4 small jars.
5. Add a layer of vanilla cheesecake mixture, then fruit, then chocolate shavings (if using).
6. Add a layer of chocolate cheesecake mixture (if using), then repeat layers as desired.
7. Chill 30–60 minutes for best texture, or serve immediately.
Notes
For extra smooth results, blend the cottage cheese first, then add the other ingredients.
Swap maple syrup with honey or date syrup if desired.
Use strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for the fruit layer.
Make-ahead tip: Store covered jars in the fridge up to 3 days; add fruit on top right before serving for the freshest look.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Serving Ideas & Storage
These cheesecake jars are perfect as:
- A light after-dinner dessert
- A brunch table centerpiece
- A make-ahead party dessert
- A sweet afternoon snack
Store jars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fruit toppings just before serving for the freshest look.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 |
| Protein | ~12g |
| Carbohydrates | ~24g |
| Fat | ~7g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~180mg |
Final Thoughts
These 5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Jars are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Creamy, customizable, and beautifully layered, they’re a dessert you’ll come back to again and again — whether you’re eating healthier or just want something fast and delicious