Nothing screams ice cream better than cheesecake! That’s right, we made these icy cheesecake bites with one of our favorite products, Lifeway Farmer Cheese. Adding Farmer Cheese to any cheesecake recipe allows for more protein, probiotics, and overall gut heath. These cheesecake bites are the way to make your holiday a guilt-free one!
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually 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 also 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. Vitamins D and K are important because they help 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. Our Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Prep Time: 4 hours Servings: 8-10Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dates
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 pecans
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup full fat coconut cream
- 8oz cream cheese
- 4oz Farmer Cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp confectioners sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla bean
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp butter
Directions
- In a food processor, add dates and blend until it forms a sticky paste. Remove dates, and add in oats, pecans, coconut flakes, and salt and blend until smooth. Add in remaining in coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt and dates and blend until wet and sticky.
- In a muffin pan, add a small amount of parchment paper to each muffin hole.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, farmer cheese, and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add confectioners sugar, lime juice, vanilla bean and full fat coconut cream. Beat on low until smooth, then turn the mixer to high and beat until fluffy stiff peaks form.
- To assemble, place a good spoonful of cheesecake filling in each shell, freese for 4 hours.
- Top with berries and enjoy.
