MINI KEY LIME PROTEIN CHEESECAKES

May 24, 2023

I can't get enough of these refreshingly sweet Mini Key Lime Protein Cheesecakes! Think rich key lime cheesecake with a nutty almond flax crust, topped with coconut whipped topping. These luscious treats pack 10 grams of protein each, thanks to the added collagen. They're also low carb and low in sugar! Did I mention these are gluten free and dairy free? Ohhh yes.

Did you know? We produce less collagen as we age, which can lead to sagging skin. However, several studies have shown that collagen supplements can help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness! (source).

Key limes vs other limes

Of course, you're going to need key limes for these mini cheesecakes! But what's the difference between key limes and regular limes? Key limes are smaller, with a less acidic and more aromatic (yet still tart) flavor. In a pinch, you can substitute regular limes (aka Persian limes). You will need at least six key limes or three regular limes for this recipe. 

Collagen recommendation

I added collagen to the cheesecake base to increase the protein per serving. I recommend flavorless collagen for this recipe, since you really want the flavor of key lime to shine through! I recommend LIV Body Marine Collagen because it's flavorless, colorless, and blends seamlessly into the cheesecake. You can use my code SARAHWILKINS for free shipping on all LIV Body orders! 

You can omit the collagen if you wish, but the cheesecakes will be lower in protein since vegan cream cheese doesn't offer much protein. You can also substitute one-third cup of casein or whey protein powder, and reduce the cooking time by 10 minutes or so. 

Dairy free recommendations

For dairy free cheesecake, I used a combination of plain vegan Greek style yogurt and plain dairy free cream cheese. My favorite brands of dairy free cream cheese are Simple Truth (Kroger brand), Kite Hill, and Miyokos (rather tangy for sweet desserts). For Greek dairy free yogurt, I like Kite Hill, Forager, and Silk brands (in that order).

Of course, if you don't need dairy free, you can use reduced fat cream cheese and plain dairy Greek yogurt.

Sweetener recommendations

I used a powdered sweetener for the cheesecake filling to maintain a smooth texture. You can really use any sweetener that measures like sugar, but I used Swerve powdered erythritol. Other options include powdered allulose, powdered stevia blend, or regular powdered sugar. 

For the crust, I used a brown sugar alternative to enhance the rich nutty flavor of the flaxseed and almonds! You can use any sweetener you prefer that measures like sugar, or use your brand's conversion chart to adjust the amount. 

Almond flax crust

For the almond flax crust, all you're going to need is almond flour, ground flaxseed, water, and brown sugar alternative to sweeten (optional). If you can't have almonds, you could try this nut free keto pie crust!

Other ingredients

 The only other ingredients are egg whites (to hold the cheesecake together), natural green food coloring (for a pale green hue) and pure vanilla extract. 

For an egg-free version, you can swap the six tablespoons of egg whites for one to two tablespoons of cornstarch or tapioca starch to help bind everything together. 

Oh and I topped them with light coconut whipped topping, which holds it shape for days in the fridge! 

Here's the printable recipe for these Mini Key Lime Protein Cheesecakes. I hope you'll rate and comment below if you try them :)

This post contains affiliate links and is sponsored by LIV Body.

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