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High Protein Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cottage Cheese Recipe

4.8 from 102 reviews

This High Protein Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cottage Cheese offers a creamy, rich dessert packed with protein and warm fall flavors. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth blend of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and pumpkin puree, it’s a healthier twist on classic pumpkin cheesecake perfect for the holiday season or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree

Optional Topping

  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Make the Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch springform pan. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
  2. Press and Bake the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a high-powered blender, add cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Process on high speed for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth with no visible curds.
  4. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the blended filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the edges are set and beginning to brown with a matte surface. The center should still be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
  5. Cool in the Oven: Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour, then remove and cool to room temperature.
  6. Chill: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
  7. Serve: Remove from the springform pan. If desired, top with whipped cream and serve chilled for a creamy, delicious dessert.

Notes

  • Using a high-powered blender ensures the cottage cheese is completely smooth and lump-free.
  • For best results, allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly before serving.
  • You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if unavailable.
  • To prevent cracking, avoid overbaking and cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven.
  • This cheesecake can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake, high protein dessert, cottage cheese cheesecake, healthy pumpkin dessert, fall recipes, holiday cheesecake