Keto High Protein Lemon Cheesecake

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s kick things off with four reasons why this cheesecake might just become your go-to keto dessert (or breakfast… we won’t judge):

1. Creamy, Tangy, and Totally Irresistible

This isn’t your average cheesecake. With a creamy blend of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese, every bite bursts with bright lemon flavor and luscious texture that melts in your mouth.

2. Packed with Protein — Hello, Gains!

Most desserts leave you with a sugar crash. Not this one! With high-protein ingredients like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, this cheesecake keeps you fueled, full, and totally satisfied.

3. Keto-Friendly Without Sacrificing Flavor

At only 6g net carbs per serving, this dessert hits all the sweet spots — rich, indulgent, satisfying — without breaking your carb budget. It’s sweetened with sugar substitutes, thickened with xanthan gum, and finished with an almond flour crust for a perfectly keto experience.

4. It’s Elegant and Easy

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or meal-prepping your desserts for the week, this cheesecake is the perfect showstopper that anyone can bake — no pastry school diploma needed.


🎉 Introduction: Say Hello to the Cheesecake That Could Change Everything

You know that moment when you’re halfway through your keto journey, and you suddenly crave something decadent? Something that whispers “cheat day” without actually cheating?

Yeah, we’ve all been there. Enter: Keto High Protein Lemon Cheesecake — your new BFF in the world of guilt-free indulgence.

This cheesecake is not just a dessert. It’s a zesty celebration of health, taste, and good vibes. Imagine a fork slicing through a velvety, lemon-infused filling that’s balanced by a toasty almond flour crust. The sweet tang of citrus hits your tongue, followed by that rich, creamy texture you thought you had to give up on keto. Surprise! You can have it all — and this recipe proves it.

So whether you’re a gym rat needing a protein boost, a lemon dessert lover, or just a human who deserves joy, this cheesecake is here to serve. Let’s whisk our way into something magical.


🧾 Ingredients with Measurements

Let’s break down what you need to create this masterpiece. Most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your keto-friendly pantry.

Crust:

  • 🥜 2 cups almond flour
  • 🍬 1/4 cup granular sugar substitute (like erythritol or monk fruit)
  • 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 🧈 5 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling:

  • 🧀 2 cups cottage cheese (choose full-fat for max creaminess)
  • 🥄 5.3 ounces plain Greek yogurt (that’s about 2/3 cup)
  • 🧀 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 🍬 1/3 cup granular sugar substitute
  • 🍦 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 🍋 Zest and juice of 2 lemons
  • 🥚 2 eggs
  • 🌾 2 teaspoons xanthan gum (acts as the thickener)

Optional Garnish:

  • 🍬 Powdered sugar substitute, for dusting

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

Roll up your sleeves and let’s bake some happiness.

✅ Step 1: Preheat That Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, prepare your crust. You’re about to create the foundation of greatness.

✅ Step 2: Mix the Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar substitute
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Then melt 5 tbsp butter in the microwave (about 30 seconds), and stir it into the flour mixture. You’ll get a crumbly dough — like wet sand. That’s exactly what you want.

✅ Step 3: Form the Crust

Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom (and slightly up the sides) of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish. Use a fork to gently pierce the base — this helps prevent bubbling while it bakes.

Pop it into the oven for 16 minutes. The crust should come out lightly golden and smelling divine. Set it aside to cool while you make the filling.

✅ Step 4: Make the Filling

Time for some blender magic!

In a blender or food processor, add:

  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 5.3 oz Greek yogurt
  • 8 oz cream cheese

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Then add:

  • 1/3 cup sugar substitute
  • Zest & juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Blend again until silky.

Finally, crack in the 2 eggs and sprinkle in 2 tsp xanthan gum. Blend until fully combined.

Pro tip: Don’t over-blend once eggs are added — we don’t want air bubbles!

✅ Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling into your cooled crust. Tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.

Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes. It should be slightly jiggly in the center but firm around the edges.

Once done, remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Then transfer to the fridge and let chill for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

✅ Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar substitute for that classic cheesecake look. You can also top with lemon zest, fresh berries, or even a dollop of keto whipped cream.


🍰 Serving Ideas & Presentation Magic

This cheesecake can go from casual snack to sophisticated showstopper depending on how you serve it. Here are some ideas:

✨ Classic Slices

Serve chilled slices on white plates with a thin lemon wheel on top for elegance.

✨ Mini Cheesecake Jars

Spoon the crust and filling into small mason jars for individual, portable cheesecakes — great for parties or meal prep.

✨ Topped with Berry Compote

Simmer a handful of raspberries or blueberries with a tablespoon of lemon juice and sugar substitute. Cool and spoon over each slice for a bright, fruity finish.

✨ Keto Brunch Spread

Pair with almond flour scones, fresh strawberries, and a big pot of coffee. Breakfast will be legendary.

✨ High-Protein Post-Workout Treat

Slice it up and enjoy with a side of protein coffee or shake — because dessert can be fuel too.


🧊 Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Tasty

This cheesecake stores like a dream — which is great, because you’ll want to make it ahead or keep leftovers handy.

In the Fridge:

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Best served chilled, straight from the fridge.

In the Freezer:

  • Wrap individual slices in parchment and store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Meal Prep Hack:

Freeze individual slices and take one out each morning — by dessert time, it’s perfectly thawed and ready to devour.


❓FAQs — You Asked, We Answered

1. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes! Ricotta works well and has a similar texture, but you may need to adjust the moisture slightly.

2. What sugar substitute is best for this cheesecake?

Erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose all work beautifully. Avoid liquid sweeteners, as they can affect texture.

3. Do I really need xanthan gum?

For the best set and sliceable texture, yes. But you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of coconut flour if needed.

4. Is this cheesecake gluten-free?

Totally! The almond flour crust and lack of wheat-based thickeners make it safe for gluten-free eaters.

5. Can I use flavored Greek yogurt?

Plain is best to keep sugar low, but lemon or vanilla-flavored yogurt (unsweetened) can enhance the flavor.

6. Can I bake this in a pie dish instead of a springform pan?

Absolutely! A deep-dish pie pan works great — just grease it well and keep an eye on the baking time.

7. How do I know when it’s done baking?

It should still jiggle in the center when shaken gently, but not be liquid. It’ll firm up as it cools.

8. Can I skip the crust to make it lower calorie?

Sure! Pour the filling directly into a greased dish and bake — it’s like a cheesecake custard.

9. How much protein is in each slice?

Depending on brands used, each slice has about 18–22 grams of protein. Pretty awesome for dessert!

10. Can I make this into cheesecake bars?

Definitely. Use an 8×8 square pan, line with parchment, and cut into bars once cooled.

Print
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Keto High Protein Lemon Cheesecake


  • Author: Rachel Mills
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6

Description

A creamy, zesty delight that satisfies cravings while nourishing you!


Ingredients

🥜 2 cups Almond Flour

🍬 1/4 cup Granular Sugar Substitute

🧂 1/4 tsp Salt

🧈 5 tbsp Butter

🧀 2 cups Cottage Cheese

🥄 5.3 ounces Greek Yogurt Plain

🧀 8 ounces Cream Cheese

🍬 1/3 cup Granular Sugar Substitute

🥚 2 Eggs

🍋 2 Lemons

🍦 2 tsp Vanilla Extract

🧂 1/4 tsp Salt

🌾 2 tsp Xanthan Gum

🍬 Powdered Sugar Substitute as garnish


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sugar and salt.

In a small microwave safe bowl, melt the butter.

Stir the melted butter into the flour mixture, until you have a crumbly texture.

Press the mixture into a 9 in pie shell, or spring form cake pan.

Press evenly along the bottom, and up the sides.

Pierce the bottom with a fork, then bake for 16 minutes.

Carefully remove from the oven and set aside.

In a blender or food processor, mix together the cottage cheese, greek yogurt and cream cheese.

Add in the sugar substitute, vanilla, salt, zest & juice of two lemons.

Mix together.

Last, add in the eggs and preferred thickener.

Mix until you have a smooth texture.

Pour the mixture into your pie shell.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Garnish with powdered sugar substitute if desired.

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