Mango Kefir + Lifeway Farmer Cheese = Pure Happiness. That’s why we whipped up these Coconut Mango Cheesecake Bites, rich in nutrients like fiber, protein, and microbiome-loving probiotics thanks to Lifeway Farmer Cheese and Lifeway Kefir. Coconut and mango are also rich in their own nutrients, including potassium, vitamins A and C, prebiotic fiber, healthy fats, and more. They’re also naturally cooling foods to enjoy as the weather warms up and they make the perfect snack when blended with dates, oats, almonds, and Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese. Whiz these ingredients up in a food processor, and freeze to set. That’s all it takes!
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Ingredients
Crust
- 3/4 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup dates (about 8 dates)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/3 cup dates (about 4 dates)
- 1 cup Farmer Cheese
- 1/2 cup Lowfat Mango Kefir
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- lemon zest, for garnish
- mango thinly sliced, for garnish
Directions
- To prepare the crust: Pulse everything together. Press the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish, and place in the freezer to set while preparing the filling, or for at least 15 minutes.
- To prepare the filling: Add the farmer cheese, dates, kefir, honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt to a blender. Process until completely combined and there are no lumps.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the frozen crust and spread in an even layer. Cover lightly with parchment. Freeze until set, at least 8 hours.
- Remove from freezer when ready to eat, and cut into bars. Top with thinly cut mango slices and lemon zest, if desired.
