Strawberry Cheesecake Bagels Crumble

Imagine biting into a soft, golden bagel that tastes like your favorite strawberry cheesecake dessert, but packed with protein to fuel your morning. These Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Bagels with Crumble Topping bring together the best of both worlds: the comforting chew of a homemade bagel and the indulgent flavor of creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberries. Topped with a buttery oat crumble that adds the perfect sweet crunch, these bagels transform your breakfast routine into something truly special. Whether you're meal-prepping for busy mornings or treating yourself to a weekend brunch, these high-protein bagels deliver both nutrition and pure deliciousness in every bite.

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The secret to these bagels lies in the clever combination of Greek yogurt and protein powder in the dough, creating a soft, pillowy texture while boosting the protein content to 12 grams per bagel. Unlike traditional bagels that require boiling, these bake straight in the oven, making them wonderfully accessible for home bakers. The cheesecake filling nestled in the center stays creamy and luscious, while the crumble topping bakes into golden, buttery perfection. Each element complements the others beautifully, creating a breakfast treat that tastes like dessert but fuels you like a proper meal.

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: Prepare and preheat

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: Shape the bagels

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly, then divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and form into a bagel shape, pinching ends to seal. Place bagels on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Prepare 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 6: 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 7: Make 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 8: Apply egg wash

Brush exposed bagel dough with egg wash.

Step 9: Bake

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

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When working with the dough, keep your hands lightly floured to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much extra flour as this can make the bagels dense. The dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable. When creating the well for the cheesecake filling, use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press gently but firmly, creating a deep enough pocket to hold the filling without breaking through the bottom. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for the smoothest filling – this makes piping much easier and ensures even distribution. For the crumble topping, the butter should be cold and cut into small pieces; work it quickly with your fingertips to maintain those perfect coarse crumbs. If your kitchen is warm, chill the crumble mixture for 5 minutes before sprinkling.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These versatile bagels welcome creative variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Swap the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches for a different fruit profile. For a chocolate twist, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough and use chocolate protein powder. If you want extra protein, increase the protein powder to 3/4 cup and reduce the all-purpose flour by 1/4 cup accordingly. Make them dairy-free by using coconut yogurt and vegan cream cheese alternatives. For a sweeter version, add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to the cheesecake filling or sprinkle the crumble with cinnamon. You can also make mini bagels by dividing the dough into 12 pieces instead of 6, reducing baking time to 15-18 minutes.

Serviervorschläge

These Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Bagels shine brightest when served slightly warm, allowing the cheesecake filling to soften and the crumble to maintain its delightful texture. Enjoy them as-is for a complete breakfast, or pair with a cup of lightly sweetened coffee or green tea for a balanced morning meal. For an extra-indulgent brunch, serve alongside fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of honey. They also make an excellent post-workout snack when paired with a protein shake or smoothie. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore their fresh-baked warmth.

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These Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Bagels prove that nutritious eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With their tender crumb, creamy filling, and sweet crumble topping, they deliver all the joy of a bakery treat with the added benefit of 12 grams of protein per serving. Whether you're fueling up for a busy day, enjoying a leisurely weekend breakfast, or simply treating yourself to something special, these bagels bring both nourishment and delight to your table. Bake a batch, fill your kitchen with their irresistible aroma, and discover just how delicious healthy eating can be.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Yes, blueberries or raspberries can be swapped in for variety without affecting the texture or flavor much.

→ What flour combination is best for these bagels?

A mix of all-purpose and white whole wheat flour provides good structure and a soft crumb.

→ How does the crumble topping enhance the bagels?

The crumble adds a crunchy texture and sweet contrast to the creamy cheesecake center and soft bagel.

→ Is it possible to increase the protein content?

Yes, increasing the protein powder and adjusting flour quantities accordingly boosts protein without sacrificing texture.

→ How should these bagels be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently before eating for best texture.