These no-bake cheesecake brownies are not only easy, simple and incredibly delicious they are also made with only 8-ingredients. Eight NOURISHING ingredients of course.
These healthy brownies are completely no bake, and you will be shocked at just how healthy they are! The brownie layer is made from a date, almond flour, and cocoa base which creates the chewy and fudgy texture that we all crave in a brownie! They are then layered with a delicious cheesecake layer, made with yogurt, cream cheese, protein powder, honey and chopped fresh strawberries folded in.
I love that these Cheesecake Brownies are a mouth-watering combination of two dessert favourites. Extra fudgy brownies topped with a creamy cheesecake layer makes for an extra impressive dessert that no will be able to resist. This recipe is yet another twist on this amazing dessert recipe. Its possible you are getting tired of my brownie+cheesecake combinations, but I’m not, and I don’t foresee my stopping anytime soon. 😊
If you are looking for a delicious sweet treat, these cheesecake bars are a great option. Decadent and rich, they look a million dollars on a desert table or at a family gathering. This recipe is an ideal treat that is perfect for placating your sweet tooth when you are on a healthier eating kick. Don’t get me wrong, these brownies aren’t diet food. They are, however, made out of nutrient-dense ingredients that are healthy and good-for-you.
Back to these brownies….I know I say this… every single time I make them, but – these are the best brownies I’ve ever made or eaten. I mean it, they literally tick every single box. They are terribly indulgent and sinfully decadent. Keep some in your freezer to eat with any dessert or simply eat it them on their own. Leftovers (if there are leftovers… how could there possibly be leftovers?!) can stay in the fridge for a few days, making these brownies a fantastic option for a dessert or any time snack.
Enjoy one of these amazing brownies by itself or pair it with a scoop of ice cream for an even more drool-worthy treat! No matter when or where you plan on serving these brownies, everyone will LOVE them.
What you need to make this recipe:
Almonds: These are broken down into a flour in the food processor. They contain lots of healthy fats and plant protein, meaning they keep you full and satisfied for longer! They are also a good source of calcium, magnesium and vitamin E!
Cocoa Powder: Yes, you can use cacao powder if you prefer or even some chocolate protein powder? Cocoa powder has some surprising health benefits, they are rich in something called “polyphenols” which is a plant-based compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (So yes, chocolate IS good for you!)
Dates: This binds the other ingredients together and sweetens the brownie. I use dried dates and soak them for 30 minutes to soften them as they are more affordable then the way more expensive Medjool dates.
I love using dates instead of sugar in my recipes as they not only add sweetness and structure, they have some incredible health benefits. Dates are also high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and fibre too! (They also make a great snack and have an almost caramel-like flavour(.
Thick Yoghurt: You need to make sure you don’t use runny yoghurt as the cheesecake layer will be too thin. I recommend using Greek-style yoghurt as it’s nice and thick and also high in protein!
Cream Cheese: I like to use low-fat cream cheese as it’s higher in protein.
Protein Powder: Adding this makes the macro nutrients (protein, carbs, fats) more balanced as part of a modern healthy eating plan (rather than old fashioned high carb, low protein baking). Protein powder also acts as a “flour” to the cheesecake and helps the ingredients stick together.
Honey: We only need a bit of this, just to add a bit of sweetness. You could use maple syrup instead if you like OR you could use powdered sugar. Just add a few tablespoons until you have your desired sweetness. I love using maple syrup as the taste is DIVINE, but also (once again) it’s high in antioxidants and also minerals such as riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium!
Strawberries: You can use any fresh berries, but I love the combination of the chocolatey base, the creamy cheesecake filling loaded with strawberries together! And strawberries are high in antioxidants and minerals as well as being so darn delicious.
Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Brownies
Ingredients
Base Crust
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Creamy Cheesecake Layer
- 3/4 cup thick Greek-style yogurt, plain or vanilla
- 3/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Line a 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.
Base Crust
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until a sticky dough is formed. Transfer brownie mixture into the lined pan and smooth out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon.
Creamy Cheesecake Layer
- Combine yoghurt, cream cheese, protein powder and honey in a medium bowl and mix until smooth.Chop up the strawberries (save 2) and add them to the mix. Spread the cheesecake mix onto the base crust. Thinly slice the two remaining strawberries and place them on top.Pop the tray into a freezer for around 2 hours, then remove it from the pan and slice into 8 slices or more smaller squares.Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. The cheesecake layer will taste like ice cream.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
