Ingredients
Mini Zebra Cake Protein Cheesecakes
- 1 cup fat-free cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder approximately 56–64g depending on the brand
- 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix regular or sugar-free; nutrition will vary
- 1/4 cup granulated cup-for-cup sweetener
- salt a pinch
- 2 Little Debbie Zebra Cakes standard family-pack size; one per cheesecake
- cooking spray for the pans
Equipment
- 2 4-inch springform pans
- Thin knife
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line the bottoms of two 4-inch springform pans with parchment paper and lightly coat the sides with cooking spray.
- Add the cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla protein powder, instant pudding mix, sweetener, and salt to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom as needed. There should be no visible cottage cheese curds or dry ingredients.
- Divide approximately one-third to one-half of the cheesecake batter between the prepared pans, creating a thin layer across the bottom of each pan.
- Place one standard Zebra Cake flat in the center of each pan. Press gently only enough to seat it in the batter, leaving approximately 1/4 inch of cheesecake batter underneath. Keep the white icing and chocolate stripes exposed on top.
- Divide the remaining cheesecake batter between the pans. Spoon it around the sides of the Zebra Cakes without covering the tops, leaving the striped design visible.
- Bake at 325°F for exactly 25 minutes, until the outer edges are set and the centers retain a slight wobble.
- Remove the pans from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled and firm.
- Run a thin knife around the inside edge of each pan. Release the springform rings and serve the cheesecakes chilled, either whole or cut in half.
Nutrition
Notes
Zebra Cake size: Use standard family-pack Zebra Cakes. The larger Big Pack or single-serve cakes are not the tested size.
Assembly: Keep a layer of cheesecake batter beneath each cake, press gently, and spoon the remaining batter over the top.
Doneness: Bake at 325°F for exactly 25 minutes. The outer cheesecake should be set while the center retains a slight wobble. Do not test through the snack-cake center with a toothpick.
Cooling: Cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before releasing the pans.
Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator and serve within 4 days.
Nutrition: Values are estimates based on standard family-pack Zebra Cakes, regular instant pudding mix, zero-calorie sweetener, and protein powder with approximately 120 calories and 24 grams of protein per scoop.