There are plenty of ways to raise the nutrition profile of cheesecake without losing the flavor you love. Cheesecake is one of the most notoriously indulgent desserts around, and it doesn’t just taste that way. Its velvety smooth texture is the result of several bricks of full-fat cream cheese, […]
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Cheesecake is one of the most notoriously indulgent desserts around, and it doesn't just taste that way. Its velvety smooth texture is the result of several bricks of full-fat cream cheese, each of which pack 800 calories and 80 grams (g) of fat (48 of which are the unhealthy saturated kind). Like other desserts, cheesecake also tends to be high in sugar — a slice of Vanilla Bean Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory has 68 g of sugar per serving! Many of that chain’s selections exceed 1,000 calories per serving — half a day’s worth — and more than half of those calories come from fat.
Despite those grim facts, what kind of world would it be without cheesecake? There’s a reason this dessert is so universally adored: A sweet, dense, creamy filling balanced by a graham cracker crust is a recipe for happiness. But it’s not the only recipe that can satisfy a cheesecake craving or your taste buds. So fear not, dessert lovers — you can have your cheesecake and eat it, too. It's all about balance and moderation and a little creativity in the kitchen. The following five recipes deliver big cheesecake flavor with less of the unhealthy junk, and are light enough on calories that you can enjoy your favorite dessert more than just occasionally.
Raspberry Cheesecake Bites
These cheesecake bites are so delicious, you’ll be proud to serve them at your next gathering. Greek yogurt makes these scrumptious bites higher in protein and lower in fat than traditional cheesecake, but it’s tangy flavor and creamy texture make it the perfect addition to this healthy dessert. Top with fresh raspberries for an additional burst of flavor and fiber!
contains Dairy, Eggs, Wheat
SERVES
12
CALORIES PER SERVING
114
2
Adobe Stock
Coconut Cheesecake Balls
These protein-packed coconut cheesecake balls are so delicious and easy to make that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them before! Protein powder and Greek yogurt both add protein to this dessert which can help keep blood sugar levels steady notes Joslin Diabetes Center. While coconut naturally contains saturated fat, using a small amount of it adds lots of flavor without overdoing it.
contains Dairy
SERVES
24
108
3
Stephanie Frey/iStock
Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding Cups
Cheesecake pudding cups take only a few minutes to make, but are impressive in both presentation and flavor. Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C, delivering more than the daily recommended amount in one sliced cup, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They’re also a source of fiber, which aids regularity and heart health according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
contains Soy, Dairy
SERVES
4
173
4
Shutterstock
Key-lime Cheesecake Keto Bars
Key limes tend to be smaller, with thinner skins and a sweeter taste than regular limes, but are typically only in season during the summer through early fall, according to Specialty Produce. If you can’t find any, regular limes will work just as well. An almond-flour crust mimics graham cracker but contains a fraction of the carbs and sugar. Note, this recipe is keto-friendly, so it contains 70% fat, which may not align with general healthy eating recommendations.
contains Tree Nuts, Dairy, Eggs
4.1 out of 16 reviews
SERVES
16 bars
CALORIES PER SERVING
154
5
Adobe Stock
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Cheesecake
A slice of strawberry cheesecake from a restaurant like The Cheesecake Factory will set you back a cool 1,000 calories (yes, you read that right) or about half of your daily calories and 43 grams of saturated fat (about 3 1/2 times the recommended limit) in a single dessert! Instead of this calorie and fat-rich traditional version, opt for a cottage cheese cheesecake for all of the flavor and just over 200 calories and 1.5 grams of saturated fat per slice!
contains Tree Nuts, Dairy, Eggs
4.5 out of 2 reviews
SERVES
12
CALORIES PER SERVING
221
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