High-Protein Key Lime Cheesecake Cups
High-Protein Keto Key Lime Cheesecake Cups
Creamy key lime cheesecake cups with a crumb topping — low-carb, sugar-free, and ready in 45 minutes
These high-protein keto key lime cheesecake cups are bright, creamy, and layered in a cup. Blended cottage cheese or cream cheese with lime juice, zest, and protein powder creates a no-bake filling that delivers 18 g of protein and only 5 g net carbs per cup while staying fully sugar-free.
Low-carb, sugar-free, and perfect for make-ahead dessert.
Chill: 30 min
Why you’ll love these cups
- 18g protein per cup
- Only 5g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- Bright key lime flavor
- No baking required
- Ready in about 45 minutes including chill
- Perfect for meal-prep desserts
Health notes
- High protein: Cottage cheese or cream cheese plus protein powder deliver a solid boost.
- Low carb: Lime juice and sugar-free sweetener keep net carbs low.
- Sugar-free: No added sugar — only sugar-free alternatives.
- Portion-ready: Individual cups make tracking easy.
Key element — blend until completely smooth
Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly so the filling is silky instead of grainy. That smooth texture is what makes these taste like cheesecake.
New High Protein Recipes
High-Protein Key Lime Cheesecake Cups
- Prep15 min
- Total15 min
- Servings4 servings
- Calories290 kcal
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the crumbs. Mix almond flour, melted butter, sweetener, and salt until it looks like damp crumbs. Set aside.
- Blend the filling. Add cottage cheese (or cream cheese and yogurt), protein powder, sweetener, lime juice, zest, vanilla, and optional cream to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Add a tiny bit of green coloring only if you want a brighter color.
- Layer. Spoon crumbs and filling into 4 cups, alternating layers. Finish with filling, then a sprinkle of crumbs.
- Chill and garnish. Refrigerate about 30 minutes until slightly firmer. Top with lime slices and extra zest before serving.
Notes & Tips
- Blend until no cottage cheese curds remain.
- Fresh lime juice tastes brighter than bottled.
- Don’t skip the zest — that’s where most of the lime flavor lives.
- Add crumbs just before serving if you want them extra crisp.
- These keep well in the fridge for several days.
Variations & serving ideas
- Higher protein: Add an extra ½ scoop protein powder and a splash of cream.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based protein.
- Lemon version: Swap lime juice and zest for lemon.
- No crumbs: Serve as a plain mousse cup.
- Lemon cheesecake cups: Swap lime juice and zest for lemon.
- Coconut lime: Add 2 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut to the crumbs.
- Parfait style: Layer extra crumbs between more filling for a taller cup.
- Frozen cups: Freeze 45–60 minutes for a firmer, frozen-cheesecake texture.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days (Cover tightly; add lime garnish before serving)
- Freezer: Up to 1 month (Freeze without fresh lime slices)
- Serve: Chilled (Best cold)
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · makes 4 servings
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Total fat | 20 g |
| Saturated fat | 20 g |
| Cholesterol | 89 mg |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
| Total carbohydrate | 7 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Are these cups keto-friendly?
Yes. At only 5g net carbs per cup they fit easily into most keto and low-carb plans.
Can I use cream cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes. Softened cream cheese plus Greek yogurt gives a classic cheesecake flavor.
Why is my filling grainy?
It wasn’t blended long enough. Keep blending until the cottage cheese is completely smooth.
Do I need key limes specifically?
No. Regular limes work well. Key limes are a little more floral, but both taste great.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Prepare up to 4 days ahead and add lime garnish just before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze without fresh lime slices. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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