Ingredients:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz fat-free cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup powdered Stevia (or your preferred zero-calorie sweetener)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional, for a tangy flavor)
- 1/2 cup light whipped topping (or use fat-free whipped cream)
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 tbsp water
- 1-2 tsp Stevia or other zero-calorie sweetener (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crust:
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1 tsp melted butter or coconut oil (optional, for a crust-like texture)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Topping:
- In a small saucepan, add the cherries, water, and sweetener. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices.
- Once the cherries have softened and the mixture has thickened slightly, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the Greek yogurt, powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the light whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Crust (optional):
- In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter (if using). Stir to combine, creating a slightly crumbly mixture.
- Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each jar or serving glass, pressing lightly to form a base (this is optional if you prefer a crustless version).
4. Assemble the Jars:
- Divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the jars (typically 4 small jars). Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
- Spoon the cooled cherry topping over the cheesecake filling.
5. Chill:
- Refrigerate the jars for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if you have time. This will help the flavors meld and the cheesecake filling to firm up.
6. Serve:
- Serve cold and enjoy! You can top the jars with extra whipped cream or even a few more fresh cherries for garnish if desired.
WW Points:
- 1 jar (1/4 of the recipe) typically has about 4-6 WW points on the Blue and Purple plans, depending on the exact ingredients and whether you use a crust. The points will be a bit higher if you use more graham cracker crumbs or full-fat ingredients.
Storage:
- Keep the cherry cheesecake jars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. These are perfect for meal prep or a quick dessert.
Customizations & Tips:
- No crust: You can make these crustless for fewer points, or use a sugar-free cookie or almond flour crust for a lower-carb version.
- Use different fruits: Swap cherries for blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a different flavor.
- Sweetener alternatives: Feel free to adjust the sweetness level to your liking and use any sweetener that fits your WW plan.
Enjoy your Cherry Cheesecake Jars!
These make for a simple, fun, and portion-controlled dessert that’s perfect for those following WW or anyone who loves cheesecake! 🍒🍰
