Protein Cheesecake Brownies

three pieces of cheesecake brownie (cheesecake layer on top of a brownie layer), two pieces are stacked on the left, and one is angled in front all on a white plate

5 from 2 votes

Less than 100 calories each in these delicious protein cheesecake brownies. They make a great gluten free protein snack or dessert. Makes 16 pieces.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: pieces

Calories: 92kcal

Author: Andréa Marchese

Ingredients

Best if ingredients are at room temperature.

Brownie layer:

1 cup natural applesauce 222g
⅓ cup cashew butter 80g
1 cup chocolate whey protein powder 104g
2 tablespoons black cocoa powder 10g
1 tablespoon coconut sugar 12g
⅛ teaspoon sea salt 0.6ml

Cheesecake layer:

½ package Neufchâtel cheese 4oz or 112g
1 large egg whole (50g)
2 oz fat-free Greek yogurt ¼ cup or 57g
2 tablespoons vanilla whey protein powder 11g
2 packets stevia 2g
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325F (163C).
Mix brownie ingredients until well combined.
Pour into parchment-lined 7" square (or similarly sized) baking pan (unless using silicone, then no parchment). Reserve a few spoonfuls of batter to make the fudge swirl (optional). Set aside.
Mix cheesecake ingredients until well combined.
Pour cheesecake batter over brownie batter.
Spoon remaining brownie batter on top, and swirl with the back of a knife.
Bake for 25 minutes, and check to see if firm. If not, check every 1 -2 minutes and remove from oven when firm. Do not overbake.
Let cool, and enjoy! Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

A note about substitutions: because each type of protein powder has a distinct flavor and texture when baked, I would not try substituting different types of protein powders in this recipe. (See my Recipe Basics video for examples of what goes wrong when you use the wrong protein powder.)

Nutrition