Try this viral 2-Ingredient Yogurt Cheesecake for a lighter, high-protein twist on dessert! Minimal ingredients, easy to customize, and so delicious.
If you've spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you've probably seen the viral Yogurt Cheesecake trend! It's basically the easiest cheesecake-inspired snack made by layering yogurt and cookies, and I totally get the hype. It's creamy, lightly sweet, and surprisingly satisfying for something that takes five minutes to make!
I decided to make my own version that levels it up a little bit while keeping it a balanced snack or dessert option. What I love about this recipe is that you can customize each jar depending on what you're craving! Think Oreo, banana cream pie, birthday cake, or a more classic cheesecake-style jar with raspberry chia jam. If you've tried any of my healthier sweet treats like my Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Bark or my Chocolate Chia Pudding, then you'll love this one.
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Minimal ingredients. I love having a sweet treat on hand and these are the perfect slightly healthier option that are so simple to make with just yogurt and cookies as the base!
- Higher protein sweet snack. Using Greek yogurt helps boost protein for a more satisfying dessert or snack.
- Fun to customize. Swap in different cookies, mix-ins, or toppings to match your sweet treat cravings!
2-Ingredient Yogurt Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
Thick yogurt of choice. Greek yogurt or Skyr tend to work best! The original recipe calls for plain yogurt however, I recommend using vanilla for a slightly sweeter taste! For best results choose a yogurt with a higher fat content (ideally at least 2% for a thicker, creamier taste and texture).
Toppings. Get creative! All you need is a hard cookie then you can customize this recipe to your liking!
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, vanilla and honey (if using).
- Make your cheesecake jars. I like to divide my yogurt filling amongst 4x 6oz glass jars, however you may also use one large jar.
- To each jar, arrange the cookies (and bananas) within the yogurt, leaving about ¼ cm of space between each cookie. Top with additional crushed cookies.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set (the cookies will be soft). Please note that when using larger cookies such as lady fingers they may need a bit longer to set!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: This recipe is gluten free as written- however please be sure to ensure all toppings added are also gluten free!
To make vegan: I haven't tested this version however you may be able to substitute a thick non-dairy yogurt of choice (Siggis has a great one)!
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut free as written!
Get creative with your mix-ins! The main ingredient you need are a thick yogurt and hard cookie, otherwise you can experiment with different flavours!
Some options include:
- Chocolate peanut butter: mix peanut butter or PB powder into the yogurt and use chocolate graham crackers
- Tiramisu: mix espresso into the yogurt before using graham crackers and sprinkling with cocoa powder
- Double chocolate: mix chocolate protein powder or cocoa powder in with the yogurt and use oreos or chocolate graham crackers
Storage
If covered tightly, these cheesecake jars can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days!
Top Tips for Success
If you're going to make this 2-ingredient yogurt cheesecake use a thicker, higher fat yogurt. I recommend using at least 2% Greek yogurt or skyr, you may use 0% if you prefer however remember higher fat = thicker, creamier taste and texture!
You can also customize the sweetness to your preference! The original recipe using plain Greek yogurt however as someone who likes a little more sweetness I would recommend vanilla yogurt or adding vanilla extract and honey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Vanilla is the easiest match for most variations, but feel free to choose other flavors if you want to switch things up.
As with any "healthier" dessert, it won't taste exactly like traditional cheesecake, but it's still a creamy, satisfying sweet treat you can feel good about!
More Healthy Dessert Ideas:
If you liked these 2-ingredient yogurt cheesecakes, try these recipes:
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these 2-ingredient yogurt cheesecake jars, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
2-Ingredient Yogurt Cheesecake (Japanese cheesecake)
Ingredients
For the base:
- 3 cups plain Greek yogurt (you may also use vanilla yogurt)
- 2 graham cracker sheets, about 16 rectangles (coconut sable, oreos, lady fingers or biscoff cookies also work)
Optional for flavour:
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Variations (per 1 serving):
Oreo
- 3 thin Oreos
- 2 tablespoon cookies and cream powder
Banana cream pie
- ½ banana, thinly sliced
- 1.5 lady finger cookies, broken in half
Birthday cake
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles
- 1.5 lady finger cookies, broken in half
Original cheesecake
- 1 tablespoon raspberry chia jam
- ½ graham cracker sheet (4 rectangles)
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together greek yogurt, vanilla and honey (if using).
- Make your cheesecake jars. I like to divide my yogurt filling amongst 4x 6oz glass jars, however you may also use one large jar. *note: if you are mixing in protein powder, sprinkles or jam you can stir it in here*
- To each jar, arrange the cookies (and bananas) within the yogurt, leaving about ¼ cm of space between each cookie. Top with additional crushed cookies.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set (the cookies will be soft). Please note that when using larger cookies such as lady fingers they may need a bit longer to set!
Jada says
Thanks for making a healthier version of this trend! I was excited to try it, and there was definitely no losses since it's pretty much pure protein. However, I was a little bummed out that mine didn't taste like original cheesecake -or tiramisu. I used 2/3 whole milk plain greek yogurt and 1/3 vanilla nonfat greek yogurt, and it's possible that the brand of vanilla yogurt is what made it not taste right. And unfortunately when I made the tiramisu version, it never got thicker even after sitting in the fridge. But all in all, it did help me get my protein in.
Nicole Addison says
Hi Jada- Thanks for trying this one! As I mentioned in the post, it's definitely not a replacement for cheesecake so you are absolutely correct about that! It's intended to be yogurt with the flavours of cheesecake or tiramisu, for a high protein snack option so hopefully this still fit the bill for you!
Nicole Addison says
Is this a substitution for cheesecake? No. BUT it is a great option for a healthier sweet treat! Enjoy!