Emeril's Wholesome Strawberry Cheesecake Delight
Reimagine a classic dessert with Emeril's Wholesome Strawberry Cheesecake Delight, a guilt-free twist on traditional cheesecake. This lightened version pairs creamy ricotta and reduced-fat cream cheese with the refreshing zing of lemon zest and a hint of Amaretto. Topped with a velvety sour cream layer and served alongside macerated strawberries, this cheesecake is not only delicious but also a healthier option for dessert lovers. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any day of the week, this cheesecake will impress your family and friends while keeping your health goals in mind.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1 (tablespoon, at room temperature)
graham cracker crumbs
1/4 (cup)
fat-free ricotta cheese
15 (ounces, at room temperature)
reduced-fat cream cheese
16 (ounces, (2 containers) at room temperature)
large egg
1
large egg whites
5
sugar
1 (cup)
sugar
1 (tablespoon)
salt
1 (pinch)
fat-free sour cream
2 (cups)
pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
lemon zest
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
Amaretto
1 (tablespoon)
toasted sliced almonds
1/3 (cup)
strawberries
1 1/2 (cups, quartered and hulled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with unsalted butter. Coat the bottom and sides with graham cracker crumbs, tapping out any excess crumbs.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fat-free ricotta and reduced-fat cream cheese. Blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the large egg and egg whites, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
3
In the same bowl, add 3/4 cup of sugar, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup of fat-free sour cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
4
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the center is set.
5
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature to 250°F (120°C).
6
In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 1 1/2 cups of fat-free sour cream, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of Amaretto, and the toasted sliced almonds until the sugar is dissolved. Pour this sour cream mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake and smooth it out gently.
7
Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Once done, allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack.
8
When cooled to room temperature, wrap the cheesecake and refrigerate overnight or until thoroughly chilled.
9
For the strawberry topping, combine the quartered strawberries, remaining tablespoon of sugar, and the last teaspoon of Amaretto in a medium bowl. Stir gently and let them sit for 30 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
10
To serve, run a warm knife around the edge of the springform pan to loosen the cheesecake, then carefully remove the sides. Cut the cheesecake into slices and serve with the macerated strawberries on the side, allowing everyone to enjoy the delightful combination!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Emeril's Wholesome Strawberry Cheesecake Delight.
Who is the chef associated with this recipe?
The recipe is a lightened version created by Emeril Lagasse.
What makes this cheesecake a wholesome option?
It uses fat-free ricotta, reduced-fat cream cheese, and fat-free sour cream to create a lower-fat, guilt-free dessert.
What size pan is required for this recipe?
A 9-inch springform pan is required.
How do you prepare the springform pan?
Lightly grease the pan with unsalted butter and coat the bottom and sides with graham cracker crumbs.
What is the initial preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What cheeses are used in the cheesecake batter?
The batter uses 15 ounces of fat-free ricotta cheese and 16 ounces of reduced-fat cream cheese.
How many eggs are used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1 large egg and 5 large egg whites.
What flavorings are added to the cheesecake mixture?
The mixture is flavored with pure vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
How long is the initial baking time at 350°F?
The cheesecake is baked for 45 minutes at the initial temperature.
What is the second baking temperature and duration?
After the first bake, reduce the heat to 300°F (150°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
How long should the cheesecake cool before adding the topping?
The cheesecake should cool for 10 minutes outside the oven before applying the sour cream layer.
What are the ingredients for the sour cream topping layer?
The topping consists of fat-free sour cream, sugar, Amaretto, and toasted sliced almonds.
What is the oven temperature for the final bake with the topping?
The final bake is performed at 250°F (120°C).
How much Amaretto is used in the topping?
Two teaspoons of Amaretto are mixed into the sour cream topping.
How long do you bake the cheesecake once the topping is added?
It is baked for a final 10 minutes at 250°F.
How should the cheesecake be cooled after baking?
Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature.
How long must the cheesecake be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated overnight or until it is thoroughly chilled.
What kind of strawberries are used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of strawberries that have been hulled and quartered.
What does 'macerating' the strawberries involve?
Macerating involves stirring the strawberries with sugar and Amaretto and letting them sit for 30 minutes to release their juices.
How much lemon zest is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of lemon zest.
What type of nuts are included in this dessert?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of toasted sliced almonds in the sour cream layer.
How much vanilla extract is used?
1.5 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract are added to the batter.
What is the total amount of sour cream used in the entire recipe?
Two cups of fat-free sour cream are used: 0.5 cups in the batter and 1.5 cups in the topping.
How much graham cracker crumbs are needed?
One quarter cup of graham cracker crumbs is used to coat the pan.
How do you remove the cheesecake from the springform pan safely?
Run a warm knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake before removing the sides.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, one pinch of salt is added to the cheesecake batter.
How is the Amaretto distributed in the recipe?
One tablespoon is divided: 2 teaspoons for the sour cream topping and 1 teaspoon for the strawberries.
How should the final dish be served?
Slice the chilled cheesecake and serve with the macerated strawberries on the side.
What is the total amount of sugar used across all components?
The recipe uses 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of sugar in the batter and fruit, and 1/4 cup in the topping.