PROTEIN CHEESECAKE

Protein cheesecake is a healthier version of traditional cheesecake that's higher in protein and lower in carbs and sugars. It typically contains ingredients like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, protein powder, eggs or egg whites, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Allergens commonly found in protein cheesecake may include eggs, dairy (if using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese), and nuts (if using a nut-based crust). Here's a basic recipe for protein cheesecake:

Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 cup almond flour or crushed nuts
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- Pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 2 cups Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour (or crushed nuts), honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and a pinch of salt to make the crust.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
4. In another mixing bowl, beat together Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese), vanilla protein powder, eggs, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon zest and juice (if using) until smooth.
5. Pour the filling over the crust in the pan and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for another 10-15 minutes.
8. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
9. Once chilled, slice and serve your protein-packed cheesecake!

Macros (per slice, makes approximately 8 slices):
- Calories: around 200-250
- Protein: around 15-20 grams
- Carbs: around 15-20 grams
- Fat: around 10-15 grams (depending on type of protein powder and crust ingredients)