Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Bagels

Imagine biting into a warm, golden bagel that tastes like a cross between your favorite breakfast and a decadent dessert — soft, protein-packed dough studded with juicy fresh strawberries, hiding a silky cheesecake filling, and crowned with a buttery oat crumble. These Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Bagels are the kind of recipe that makes weekday mornings feel like a special occasion. They come together in just 42 minutes, yield 6 gorgeous bagels, and deliver a satisfying 12 grams of protein each — making them as nourishing as they are indulgent.

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The magic of these bagels lies in their simplicity. A two-flour base of all-purpose and white whole wheat flour keeps the texture tender yet hearty, while nonfat Greek yogurt binds everything together without a drop of oil in the dough itself. Whey protein powder quietly boosts the nutritional profile without altering the bagel's soft crumb. The cheesecake filling — just light cream cheese, a whisper of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract — is piped into a well pressed into each bagel before baking, so it melts into the center as it cooks. The finishing touch is a rustic crumble of flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter that bakes into a golden, slightly crispy crown. This is comfort food with intention.

Ingredients

• Bagels:
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (120 g) white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (230 g) nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1/2 cup (70 g) diced fresh strawberries
• Cheesecake Filling:
  • 4 oz (115 g) light cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Crumble Topping:
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp rolled oats
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced
• Egg Wash:
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water

Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2 — Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3 — Form the Dough

Add the Greek yogurt and egg white. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Gently fold in diced strawberries.

Step 4 — Knead and Divide

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly, then divide into 6 equal pieces.

Step 5 — Shape the Bagels

Roll each piece into a rope and form into a bagel shape, pinching ends to seal. Place bagels on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6 — Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, stir together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Place in a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped.

Step 7 — Fill the Bagels

Gently press a deep well into the center of each bagel (without going through the bottom). Pipe about 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling into each well.

Step 8 — Make and Add the Crumble

In another bowl, mix flour, oats, and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter with a fork or fingers until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over the cheesecake centers.

Step 9 — Brush with Egg Wash

Brush exposed bagel dough with egg wash.

Step 10 — Bake and Cool

Bake for 22–25 minutes or until bagels are golden and cooked through. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Damit deine Bagels optimal gelingen, achte darauf, den Teig nicht zu lange zu kneten — er soll gerade so zusammenkommen. Die Erdbeeren solltest du gut abtropfen lassen oder mit einem Küchentuch trocken tupfen, damit der Teig nicht zu feucht wird. Beim Eindrücken der Mulde in der Mitte jeden Bagels arbeite langsam und gleichmäßig, damit der Boden intakt bleibt und die Käsekuchenfüllung beim Backen nicht ausläuft. Die Butter für das Crumble muss unbedingt kalt sein — nur so entstehen die charakteristischen, knusprigen Krümel. Lass die Bagels nach dem Backen vollständig auf einem Gitterrost abkühlen, bevor du hineinbeißt, damit die Füllung leicht abkühlen und sich setzen kann.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Diese Bagels laden zum Experimentieren ein. Tausche die frischen Erdbeeren gegen Blaubeeren oder Himbeeren aus, um das Rezept je nach Saison abzuwandeln. Wer noch mehr Protein möchte, kann den Mehlanteil leicht reduzieren und die Menge an Proteinpulver entsprechend erhöhen — achte dabei darauf, die Konsistenz des Teigs im Blick zu behalten und bei Bedarf etwas mehr Joghurt hinzuzufügen. Für eine laktoseärmere Variante kannst du laktosefreien Frischkäse und laktosefreien griechischen Joghurt verwenden. Das Crumble lässt sich durch die Zugabe einer Prise Zimt oder Kardamom wunderbar aromatisieren.

Serviervorschläge

Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.

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Diese Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Bagels schmecken am besten frisch aus dem Ofen oder leicht aufgewärmt. Genieße sie zum Frühstück neben einer Tasse leicht gesüßtem Kaffee oder grünem Tee — die Kombination aus cremiger Füllung, fruchtigen Erdbeeren und knusprigem Crumble harmoniert wunderbar mit einem milden Heißgetränk. Als Snack zwischendurch eignen sie sich ebenso hervorragend und halten dank ihres hohen Proteingehalts lange satt. Bewahre übrig gebliebene Bagels in einem luftdichten Behälter im Kühlschrank auf — sie halten sich bis zu 3 Tage und lassen sich im Backofen oder in der Mikrowelle schnell wieder aufwärmen.

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Whether you are looking for a protein-forward breakfast to power you through a busy morning or a wholesome snack that genuinely satisfies a sweet craving, these Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Bagels with Crumble Topping deliver on every front. They are proof that eating well does not have to mean sacrificing flavor or joy. With just 42 minutes from start to finish, a handful of pantry staples, and a little creativity, you can have six beautiful, nourishing bagels ready to enjoy all week long. Bake a batch, share them with someone you love, and savor every crumble-topped, cheesecake-filled bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes these bagels high in protein?

The use of vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder combined with Greek yogurt and egg whites boosts the protein content in the bagels.

→ Can I substitute the strawberries?

Yes, fresh blueberries or raspberries can be used instead of strawberries to vary the flavor while maintaining the texture.

→ How is the cheesecake filling prepared?

A smooth blend of light cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract is piped into the bagels before baking to provide a creamy center.

→ What is the purpose of the crumble topping?

The crumble adds a sweet, crunchy texture on top, made from a mix of flour, oats, brown sugar, and cold butter.

→ How should these bagels be stored?

Store in an airtight container refrigerated for up to three days and reheat before serving to retain freshness.