Decadent Light Cherry Delight Cheesecake
Indulge in a slice of our Decadent Light Cherry Delight Cheesecake, a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. This cheesecake combines the creamy richness of low-fat ingredients with the sweet-tartness of cherries, creating a heavenly balance that's both satisfying and guilt-free. With a crunchy graham cracker crust and a smooth, luscious filling, this recipe is not only simple to follow but also ideal for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy a slice for yourself and let the refreshing flavors of cherry bring a burst of joy to your taste buds.
10
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the pan)
Graham crackers
8 (crushed (3-by-5 inch size))
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (such as safflower, for the crust)
Low fat cottage cheese
3 cups (1% fat, for the filling)
Reduced-fat bar cream cheese
8 ounces (at room temperature, for the filling)
Sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (divided for the filling and topping)
Reduced-fat sour cream
1/2 cup (for the filling)
Large eggs
4 (for the filling)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (for the filling)
Pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (for flavoring)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for the filling)
Frozen cherries
2 (12-ounce bags) (for the topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the rack in the lower third of the oven. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by coating it with nonstick cooking spray and lining the sides with a strip of waxed or parchment paper.
2
Using a food processor, pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs. Add the vegetable oil and pulse again until the mixture is moist. Transfer the crumbs to the springform pan and press them firmly into the bottom to form the crust. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
3
While the crust is baking, clean out the food processor bowl and blade. Blend the cottage cheese and cream cheese together until smooth and glossy, scraping down the sides as needed (about 4 to 5 minutes).
4
Add 3/4 cup of sugar, sour cream, eggs, flour, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor. Blend just until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5
Pour the filling over the baked crust (it’s okay if the crust is still warm). Bake the cheesecake in the oven for about 1 hour or until the center is just barely set. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside to cool for 1 hour.
6
Move the cheesecake to a wire rack to cool to room temperature (approximately 2 hours), then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to set.
7
For the topping, in a large skillet, combine the frozen cherries with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens into a syrup, about 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
8
When ready to serve, carefully unmold the cheesecake (discard the parchment or waxed paper) and transfer it to a serving platter. Top generously with the cherry syrup mixture before slicing into individual servings.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
20g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Light Cherry Delight Cheesecake?
It is a lightened-up cheesecake recipe that combines low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat cream cheese with a sweet-tart cherry topping and a graham cracker crust.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This cheesecake recipe makes 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What type of pan is required for this cheesecake?
You will need a 9-inch springform pan.
What oven temperature is used for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The rack should be positioned in the lower third of the oven.
How long does the graham cracker crust need to bake?
The crust should bake for about 15 minutes or until it is lightly golden.
What are the ingredients for the crust?
The crust consists of 8 crushed graham crackers (3-by-5 inch size) and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Can I use a specific type of oil for the crust?
The recipe suggests vegetable oil, such as safflower oil.
How long should I blend the cottage cheese and cream cheese?
Blend them for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
What kind of cottage cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of 1% fat low-fat cottage cheese.
Is full-fat cream cheese used for the filling?
No, the recipe uses 8 ounces of reduced-fat bar cream cheese at room temperature.
How many eggs are needed for the filling?
This recipe requires 4 large eggs.
What is the total baking time for the cheesecake filling?
The cheesecake should bake for approximately 1 hour or until the center is just barely set.
How should the cheesecake cool after the baking time is complete?
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour, then move it to a wire rack for 2 hours.
How long must the cheesecake refrigerate before serving?
It needs to refrigerate for at least 3 hours or ideally overnight to set properly.
How do I prepare the cherry topping?
Combine frozen cherries and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a skillet over high heat for 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid thickens into a syrup.
Can the cherry topping be made in advance?
Yes, the cherry topping can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving.
What is the total amount of sugar used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar.
What role does flour play in the cheesecake filling?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are added to help the filling set and maintain its structure.
Is this cheesecake considered a low-fat dessert?
Yes, with only 3g of fat per serving, it is a low-fat alternative to traditional cheesecakes.
How do I ensure the cheesecake does not stick to the pan?
Coat the springform pan with nonstick cooking spray and line the sides with a strip of waxed or parchment paper.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a single slice?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
How many individual ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients used in this recipe.
What size bags of frozen cherries are used?
The recipe calls for two 12-ounce bags of frozen cherries.
When should I add the cherry topping to the cheesecake?
Add the topping generously to the top of the cheesecake just before slicing and serving.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is a crunchy graham cracker base made with fine crumbs and vegetable oil.
What makes this cheesecake 'guilt-free'?
It uses low-fat cottage cheese, reduced-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat sour cream to keep the fat and calorie counts lower than standard recipes.