Have your (cheese)cake and eat it too!
This light and creamy cheesecake has half the calories of a traditional New York style cheesecake! And thanks to lighter versions of cream cheese, sour cream and yogurt, it is just about as guilt-free as you can get without compromising the rich, velvety texture. Top with your choice of fruit – and at only 230 calories per slice – you have a dessert you can feel good about digging into!
Crust:
9 whole low-fat graham crackers, broken into crumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
2 - 8-ounce packages light cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup light sour cream
1 cup nonfat yogurt
2 large eggs plus 3 egg whites
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest or 1 tsp lemon extract
Cherry Topping:
1 jar canned cherries
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon corn starch (for thickening)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until crumbled. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water and the melted butter; pulse until moistened. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch spring-form pan with foil to prevent leaks. Coat the inside of the pan with cooking spray and press the crumbs onto the bottom. Bake until browned, about 8 minutes. Let cool, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, sugar and sour cream with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth, 4 minutes, then beat in the yogurt on low. Lightly whisk the 3 egg whites in a bowl, then add to the cheese mixture along with the 2 whole eggs, flour, vanilla and lemon zest. Beat on medium speed until fluffy, 3 minutes. Pour over the crust.
Place cake in center of the oven and bake until it’s is set but the center still jiggles, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn off the oven; keep the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 20 minutes.
Remove the cake from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge, then cool completely. Chill until firm, at least 8 hours. Top as desired
Calories (per serving): 230
Total Fat: 9g
Protein: 8g