Healthy High-Protein Pistachio Cheesecake (Gluten-Free!)
If you love pistachios and cheesecake, prepare to fall in LOVE with this Healthy High-Protein Pistachio Cheesecake (Gluten-Free!). It's thick, rich, incredibly creamy, and packed with real roasted pistachio flavor. The best part? It's made with wholesome ingredients, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and everything comes together in your food processor!!
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup shelled roasted pistachios preferably unsalted
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese 2% or 4%
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unflavored whey protein powder
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp almond extract optional
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Optional toppings: Pistachio butter drizzle and chopped roasted pistachios.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Add the roasted pistachios, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, unflavored whey protein, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, almond extract (if using), and sea salt directly to a large food processor.
- Process until everything is well combined and the mixture is creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Small flecks of pistachios throughout the batter are completely normal and add delicious texture!
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. If the center still looks liquid, continue baking in a few-minute increments.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for approximately 30–45 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
- Slice into 8 generous portions. For the ultimate pistachio cheesecake experience, drizzle with creamy pistachio butter and finish with chopped roasted pistachios!
Notes
Approximate macros per slice (8 slices, excluding toppings)
Calories: ~325 kcal
Protein: ~19g
Carbohydrates: ~19g
Fat: ~20g
Fiber: ~2g
Macros are estimates using regular cream cheese, 2% cottage cheese, and typical unflavored whey protein. Exact nutrition will vary by brand and ingredient measurements.
Calories: ~325 kcal
Protein: ~19g
Carbohydrates: ~19g
Fat: ~20g
Fiber: ~2g
Macros are estimates using regular cream cheese, 2% cottage cheese, and typical unflavored whey protein. Exact nutrition will vary by brand and ingredient measurements.