Teaming up with My Protein – Europe’s #1 Sports Nutrition Brand Online!
I do love playing with my food.
I have also upped my fitness and strength training efforts this year. I’m really rather pleased with my progress – I’m at a weight I am happy with and I have never felt stronger or more fit. Regular readers will be aware that I’m currently training for an epic 250 mile mountain bike cycle south from my north sea island home through the highlands of Scotland to Fort William to climb Ben Nevis. My cycling buddy and I were chatting, and there is a possibility that if we make good time getting to the mountain we might just carry on to Land’s End at the other end of the country. Who knows, but I’m flexible and open for adventure! 🙂
So yes, part of my strength training is eating a whopping amount of protein to help build and repair. Protein powders are a daily addition to my healthy and balanced diet (I’d like to think it’s healthy and balanced anyway!). There are all sorts of protein powders out there, from the standard flavoured and unflavoured whey to all sorts of vegan ones – hemp, pea, sunflower, soy, etc.
Since I’m incorporating protein powder into my diet every day, I’m trying to get a bit creative with using them besides just mixing with water. I’ve tried Joe Wicks #Leanin15 protein pancakes (they were ok, but looked nothing like his photo!), I sometimes whiz it up in my Optimum 9400 high speed blender with a banana and a spoonful of BioGlan Supergreens Cacao Boost – all the goodness of 14 portions of fruit and vegetables in each serving – or if I’m feeling particularly indulgent and have a few extra calories to spare, I’ll blitz some vanilla protein powder up with some full fat milk, a handful of red fruit and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I’ve also made a really lovely home made high protein granola recipe – which I should, at some time, photograph and blog!
I’ve tried a few recipe fails as well – I read on a body building website about mixing chocolate whey protein with some peanut butter and low fat cottage cheese. High protein, yes, but it totally makes you byock – the Shetland word for retch, as in sickness. I wouldn’t recommend that. I’ve also tried making a cottage cheese cheesecake with gelatin. Another recipe fail that ended up in the bin after one bite! Stirring it into yogurt isn’t particularly nice either.
One of my wholly successful experiments, however, has been this creamy vanilla protein cheesecake recipe!
It began as a lower calorie version using Elmea double light cream, Philadelphia lightest cream cheese and some vanilla whey protein powder to make the filling. It still came in at a whopping 280 calories per slice, but it was super tasty.
My second experiment was a full fat version for my husband who is trying to put on weight, so using full fat products each serving comes in at 343 calories and 12 grams of protein. Each serving is small, so it’s no problem to double or triple it – or heck, if you’ve got the appetite, to eat half the entire cheesecake in one go, right Daniel? Daniel is my friend who has just started up as a personal training coach at Dan’s Pain & Gains – you have to check him out on Facebook and Instagram. Very inspirational – and he makes me lift heavy things! He does distance coaching online too.
The first time I made this recipe I used honey in the base, which is made up of whizzed up nuts, cocoa and raw cacao nibs stuck together with some melted butter. The base came out rather fudgy chewy, which was rather nice, I thought, but I wanted something a bit more crumbly and crunchy like a regular cheesecake base, so I replaced the honey with dark muscovado sugar, the cocoa powder with raw cacao and the butter with coconut oil. Perfection!
Because I like to play with my food (and I didn’t have enough fresh raspberries to cover the top for the second cheesecake attempt), I melted some 85% dark chocolate and drew out some steampunk cogs with my Lékué Decopen a little silicone tub with a nozzle that makes drawing out chocolate designs a cinch.
A wholly effective decoration, I think, and dark chocolate is good for you, right, so it’s all good?
I’ve also been known to make individual portions of this recipe for those days where I don’t want to be faced with an entire cheesecake needing to be eaten in the fridge. I’m quite partial to eating and reading in the bath, pictured below. Simply quarter the recipe and fill two small ramekin dishes and leave to chill for a few hours.
I’m delighted to announce that I have teamed up with Europe’s #1 Sports Nutrition Brand online – My Protein to offer my readers a fantastic 10% discount on any orders made through my website. Simply use the code KITCHENDIARY10 upon checkout. You’ll get the discount, and we’ll get a commission on the sale and you’ll be directly supporting my family and I’ll be incredibly grateful, especially since our car is in the garage – again!
In the meantime, here’s my rather fantastic creamy vanilla protein cheesecake recipe – Steampunk style! I find putting System of a Down – Toxicity on, while whipping the cream by hand, helps. 😉
How do you eat your protein powder? If you have any recipe suggestions for me to try, let me know in the comments!
Creamy Vanilla Protein Cheesecake
Ingredients
for the base
- 30 grams raw almonds
- 75 grams cashews
- 20 grams raw cacao (or cocoa powder)
- 25 grams dark brown muscovado sugar
- 15 grams raw cacao nibs
- 40 grams coconut oil melted
for the filling
- 284 ml Elmlea double cream
- 180 grams Philadelphia cream cheese
- 1 tsp Madagascar bourbon vanilla bean paste
- 90 grams vanilla protein powder I used Matrix Nutrition
decorations
- 50 grams 85% cocoa solids dark chocolate
- 300 grams raspberries
- icing sugar to decorate
Instructions
- Grease and line the base of a 6 inch cake tin with a removable base with a round of grease proof paper. Alternatively, if you've got a small tin you don't mind cutting into, use that.
- Place the nuts, raw cacao powder and dark muscovado sugar into a blender and process until fine.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir in the raw cacao nibs and the melted coconut oil.
- Press into the base of the tin and pop in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Whip the double cream until it begins to form soft peaks. Soften the cream cheese by beating it until smooth.
- Sprinkle over the protein powder and fold in the vanilla and softened cream cheese.
- Spoon over the base, smoothing over the top. If you've got a cake tin with low sides it might be very full, just pile it into the centre.
- Pop into the fridge to chill overnight, or for at least six hours.
- Decorate as desired!
Click here for the nutritional information for this recipe.
OTHER RECIPES USING PROTEIN POWDER
Cranberry Oat Cookies by Rough Measures
Beetroot Chocolate Protein Balls by Veggie Desserts
Don’t forget to use the exclusive code KITCHENDIARY10 to get 10% off your purchase! Suitable for worldwide orders! 🙂
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Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary is a Froothie Ambassador and she uses the Froothie Optimum 9400 blender, the Froothie Optimum 600 slow juicer and the Optimum ThermoCook to make many of her recipes. These, as well as the My Protein and Amazon (in orange) are affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through them we will earn a small commission. This is not a paid post and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
Mandi says
This looks delicious, I could just eat a slice of this right now! Who knew protein powder could be used in something so yummy!
Maya Russell says
It’s really interesting adding protein powder to your recipes. Looks gorgeous!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
YUM. This looks so fab with the chocolate cogs, but I love the raspberries too – bit less labour-intensive but just as delicious!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I love the steampunk style desserts that you make – so creative. I really need to start baking with protein powder more.
Andrew Petrie says
It’s the ingredients that do for me in this one. I love the idea of the coconut oil in the base and the 85% chocolate. Compliments to the chef !
ashleigh allan says
Yum looks amazing
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
You re now officially the steampunk queen! This looks delicious, and I would like a piece. I will be following your progress on your epic bike adventure!
Debi @ Life Currents says
A beautiful cheesecake! And what a great way to up the nutrition in it! Yum. And good luck with the mountain bike ride! Sounds like fun!
Maeva (CookALife) says
Looks so delicious and I love the chocolate shapes on top, they’re perfect! 🙂
Laura Hartley says
Cheesecake is my favourite dessert and anything with extra protein in it makes it feel like part of my workout routine! Will have to try this out ;p
Helen | Wonderfully Average says
This sounds incredible, I’ll definitely be pinning it to make in future! Best of luck with your cycling and climbing challenge!
Kellie@foodtoglow says
Between Urvashi Roe doing the London marathon and your epic cycling and climbing challenge I am in total awe. You serve the whole full-fat cheesecake. Whereas I, who dabbles in the gym but barely sweat really, deserves only a sliver. Gorgeous decoration as always. i want one of those pens!
Divya@Divya's Culinary Journey says
This cheesecake looks beautiful!! Love the steampunk style decoration!! The idea of adding protein powder to cheesecake is really cool!
Mudpie Fridays says
I am still in awe of the 250 mile bike ride! Your photos are always stunning and make you want to have ago yourself straight away, This recipe sounds great and its good that you can make it full fat for those who need to bulk up a bit 🙂 very versatile.
Katerina says
This cheesecake compromises both trends in my home, vanilla and chocolate! We would all love this!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
You just made it possible for me to justify eating more cheesecake I love the steampunk gears and cogs.
Healing Tomato says
I love playing with my food too. This recipe looks so creative and delicious. Those wheels are too cute!
WhatLauraLoves says
This looks absolutely delicious and judging by the ingredients, it doesn’t seem as though it would be as naughty as usual cheesecake!! xxx
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says
I love steampunk, and I love cheesecake. This cheesecake is perfect and stunning!
Manila Spoon says
What a gorgeous cheesecake! I want a slice, please!
Sarah - Craft Invaders says
Both cheesecakes look stunning – I’d be hard pushed to decide which one to have. Your chocolate cogs look amazing. Pinning 🙂
Ana De- Jesus says
Stop making me so damn hungry woman and how did you know cheesecake was my favorite desert! I don’t care about the calories I just want it in my belly!
Astrid says
I think this is a truly creatve way of using protein powders. I’ve never tried protein powders before, but if I ever try them, I’ll definitely think of this cheesecake.
Sally - Mycustardpie says
I’ve learned a lot today. Welcome to the world of protein powders! If I ever add them to my diet I’ll know where to come. The decoration on the top is beautiful. Good luck with your incredible challenge
Leila Benhamida says
This is perfection! Thanks for sharing. Looks really nice and light.
Ickle Pickle says
I love cheesecake and haven’t had any for years! This looks so good, I love your chocolate decorations. Kaz x
Kavey says
I have to say, I absolutely adore your steampunk decorations and love the tie in of the wheels and cogs to your upcoming challenge. Gorgeous!
Jessica McDonnell says
This looks so yummy, cheesecake is one of my favourite things to eat.
Jan Bennett says
Oh my goodness those cheesecakes look amazing – I’d never heard of the Lékué Decopen until now – looks like a great gadget.
Well done you with all this bike riding!
Joanne/WineLady Cooks says
Your cheesecake is gorgeous. I’m not a cheesecake fan but I do like to make a more healthy dessert so I would definitely give this a try.
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
This looks simply divine. Both myself and the boys love vanilla! H x
Yvonne says
Oh wow! The cake looks amazing. You have an incredible eye for detail. Xxx
Emma White says
oh wow your cakes always put mine to shame you have amazing talent
Claire says
Oh wow! This cheesecake is calling my name! I have to make it!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
That looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it!!
Janette@CulinaryGinger says
I am boring when it comes to eating protein powder and just put it in my smoothie. This cake is stunning and I love the decorations. Good luck with your bike ride.
Georgina Ingham | Culinary Travels says
Your cheesecake looks absolutely stunning. The beautiful photos have my mouth watering.
Cliona says
God, this sounds amazing and looks so beautiful and mouthwatering! What a super talent you have! I also really love that you talk about food and fitness together. I love food and I love to exercise so this is a good combo for me 🙂
StressedMum says
I love vanilla cheesecake it is one of my favourite things in life. I am not a fan of all these protein drinks and powders, but have to say in a cheesecake I could be swayed 🙂
karyn says
first of all your photos are stunning, your recipe sounds delicious. I have never used protein powder in a cake but have used it in smoothies.. This cheesecake is defo on my to” bake list”. Have a lovely day in your beautiful part of the world
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
This cheesecake rocks!!! I love the steampunk version, also the raspberry topped one. One is funky, the other elegant, and I know they both taste fantastic!
Lisa @garlicandzest.com says
I’m amazed. I generally can’t stand protein drinks and powders – preferring to get my protein from real food, but you’ve made it look very appetizing! Congratulations on your training! I’m impressed!
Camilla says
What a beautiful and delicious cheesecake Elizabeth and loving all the chocolate cogs which make it into a work of art;-)
Sarah Bailey says
oh wow that cake is amazing – so beautifully decorated almost seems a shame to cut into it. x
Stella says
Loving how descriptive your bloh posts. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Sarah says
This looks absolutely delicious!! Great work!
Jo says
Good luck for the bike ride. Cheesecake is the ultimate treat!
Anna Nuttall says
Hi there, I never been a fan of cheesecake – I know I’m weird right! I don’t like cottage cheese part. But those cakes do look amazing. xx
Choclette says
Ooh, another of your stunning cheesecakes. Love your steampunk posts. Sounds delicious. CT loves cheesecake, but I don’t make them nearly often enough. Just make sure you let me know if you do end up cycling to Land’s End.
Oliver Long says
The idea of decorating the cake with melted choco is such a great improvisation! Kudos! And it actually looks way cooler than your average fruits and other things!
Oliver • http://suedeandsymphony.com
Sarah says
Good luck with 250 mile bike ride! My partner is also trying to gain weight, I’ve been feeding him up like a fighting cock but he’s such a hard gainer – very slowly getting there. I love the steampunk design! 😀
Laura@howtocookgoodfood says
This chesecake looks like the best lower fat version I have seen. I think the base also sounds lovely. Its great that you have been doing so well with your fitness training and I wish you lots of luck on your mammoth cycle ride!
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too says
Oh my, I could happily sit and enjoy a slice of this right now.
Mellissa Williams says
Good luck with your 250 mile mountain bike ride, that sounds incredibly hard! The cheesecake looks amazing. I do love a great cheesecake. Does the high amount of protein keep you fuller for longer?