Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Cups (No-Bake, Gluten-Free)
If you are a busy mom trying to balance family life, workouts, and feeding everyone well, these Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Cups are exactly the kind of recipe that fits into real life. When you are juggling school drop-offs, practices, work, and workouts, it can be hard to find snacks that actually support your protein goals without feeling restrictive or boring. This recipe helps bridge that gap in the simplest way.
Because it is no bake and quick to prepare, it works perfectly for meal prep at the beginning of the week. At the same time, the combination of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and optional protein powder adds a meaningful protein boost. As a result, these protein cups help keep energy steady, curb afternoon cravings, and support muscle recovery after workouts. Whether you are lifting, chasing kids all day, or just trying to stay consistent with movement, having a protein-forward snack ready in the fridge makes a big difference.
Even though this recipe is designed with moms and fitness goals in mind, it never feels like “diet food.” The texture is light, creamy, and fluffy, and the strawberry cheesecake flavor feels fun and familiar. Because of that, kids happily eat it without questioning what is in it. In fact, it works just as well packed into lunchboxes or served as an after-dinner treat as it does as a post-workout snack.
Most importantly, this is the kind of recipe that supports a balanced approach to food. It allows you to prioritize protein and nourishment while still enjoying something sweet and satisfying. Instead of making separate snacks for yourself and your kids, you can make one batch that works for everyone. That alone makes it a staple in a busy, gluten-free household.
If you are looking for simple ways to stay on track with protein while still creating food your whole family will love, these Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Cups are a go-to you will come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Cups
Gluten-free and no bake
High protein and filling
Kid-friendly and great for families
Meal-prep friendly for busy weeks
Light, creamy texture that feels like dessert
Ingredients
Protein Cups
1 cup fresh or freeze-dried strawberries
½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
½ cup Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
1 box (1 oz) sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional, for extra protein)
1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip
Optional Toppings
Sliced strawberries or crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Crumbled gluten-free graham crackers or granola
Chocolate SunButter cups
Extra whipped cream
Instructions
Blend the base Add the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Add flavor Add the strawberries, pudding mix, and protein powder if using. Blend again until the mixture is pink, smooth, and silky.
Fold in fluffiness Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined and fluffy.
Prepare Spoon into individual cups and add your favorite toppings before serving.
Chill Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the texture to set.
Tips and Variations
Meal prep Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days
Dairy-free option Use dairy-free yogurt and whipped topping alternatives
Flavor swaps Try blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries
More crunch Add crushed gluten-free graham crackers right before serving
How to Serve
These protein cups are perfect as:
A high-protein afternoon snack
Pre-post workout snack
A light dessert after dinner
A kid-approved sweet treat
A make-ahead option for busy weeks
They’re proof that gluten-free desserts can be easy, nourishing, and still taste amazing!
These Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Cups are light, creamy, and packed with protein. Made with cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and strawberries, this no-bake gluten-free dessert is perfect for meal prep, snacks, or a healthier sweet treat.
Ingredients
1cup fresh or freeze-dried strawberries
1/2cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/2cup Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
1oz box sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
1scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
1container (8 oz) cool whip
Instructions
1
Blend the base
Add the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
2
Add flavor
Add the strawberries, pudding mix, and protein powder if using. Blend again until the mixture is pink, smooth, and silky.
3
Fold in fluffiness
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined and fluffy.
4
Prepare cups
Spoon into individual cups and add your favorite toppings before serving.
5
Chill
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the texture to set.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories160kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat4g7%
Total Carbohydrate18g6%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Sugars6g
Protein16g32%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Keywords:
strawberry cheesecake protein cups, gluten free dessert, no bake protein dessert, high protein snacks, healthy gluten free recipes, strawberry cheesecake fluff, protein pudding cups
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Liz Satkowski
Gluten Free Mom Colorado
I am married to the most amazing man, Tommy. I am the mother of three beautiful children Landon, Finn, and Daisy. For years I have been helping friends, family and others navigate the life of gluten-free living. I grew up in a gluten-free house, my mom and both brothers were diagnosed with Celiac Disease when I was young. My mom did an amazing job making everything from scratch in a gluten free kitchen. When I had my first child Landon my world was changed. He was born at 24 weeks because I have a short cervix. The doctor told us that he had a slim chance of survival and that his life would be plagued with severe complications. He survived and has minimal complications due to his prematurity, but when Landon was two he started getting rashes all over his body and he would constantly be sick. My mom advised me to get Landon tested for Celiac Disease. This was the beginning of my true GF journey. Shortly after he was diagnosed, I decided to go off gluten as well. Although I do not have Celiac Disease, I have found that I feel 100% better eliminating gluten from my diet. Recently Finn was having some issues with his legs and knees hurting. The doctor told me to take Finn off gluten to see if it was causing the inflammation and pain. Sure enough once we changed his diet the symptoms went away. We have Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance on both sides of the family. My sister-in-law and niece were recently diagnosed and my Grandma recently took gluten out of her diet due to an autoimmune disease. We are in a fortunate position that both of our families understand the purpose of living a gluten-free lifestyle. I am on a mission to help people create amazing gluten-free recipes and to see that this diagnosis is not a curse, but can actually be delicious.