Cheesecake enthusiasts and health-conscious dessert lovers, rejoice! Indulge in the guilt-free pleasure of our meticulously crafted Weight Watchers-friendly Lemon Cheesecake. This delectable treat is not only a celebration of zesty lemony goodness but is also mindful of your wellness goals.
Crust Creation: A Perfect Foundation
Embark on this culinary journey by fashioning the impeccable crust. A harmonious blend of 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers, 3 tablespoons of melted light butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar substitute (such as Stevia) results in a buttery, crunchy base that provides the ideal canvas for our lemony masterpiece. Bake the crust at 325°F (163°C) for a mere 10 minutes, allowing it to cool gracefully as you prepare the filling.
Filling the Heart: Creamy Citrus Symphony
The heart of our creation lies in the luscious cheesecake filling. Begin by artfully combining 3 packages of reduced-fat cream cheese, 1 cup of fat-free Greek yogurt, a cup of sugar substitute, 3 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and the zest and juice of two vibrant lemons. Whip this velvety concoction into a creamy symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds.
Assembling the Masterpiece: Baking Brilliance
With the crust and filling ready, pour the lemon-infused mixture over the cooled crust in a 9-inch springform pan. Delicately smooth the top, ensuring a visually appealing surface. Bake this masterpiece for 50-60 minutes at 325°F, allowing it to achieve the perfect balance of a set center while maintaining a gentle jiggle. A final touch involves turning off the oven, cracking the door, and letting the cheesecake cool for an additional hour, ensuring a flawless finish.
Cooling Elegance: Refrigeration Refinement
After this culinary symphony, grant your creation the respect it deserves. Allow your Lemon Cheesecake to cool further in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or, for optimum results, let it linger overnight. This patient refrigeration period ensures a firm, creamy texture that will captivate your senses upon each delightful bite.
Presentation Excellence: Optional Garnishes
For the grand finale, consider elevating your Lemon Cheesecake with optional garnishes. A sprinkle of additional lemon zest, a dollop of fat-free whipped topping, or an arrangement of fresh berries can transform your creation into a visual and flavorful masterpiece.
Savor the delicate balance of citrus and creaminess with our Light and Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Delight. This Weight Watchers-friendly recipe offers a guilt-free escape into dessert heaven, proving that health-conscious choices can indeed be indulgent and satisfying. Treat yourself to a slice of citrus-infused bliss!
Weight Watchers Lemon Cheesecake
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (use whole-grain for a healthier option)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar substitute
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
- 1 cup sugar substitute (adjust to taste)
- 3 large eggs
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Topping (Optional):
- Sugar-free lemon curd or lemon zest for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar substitute. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it sets. Allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the Greek yogurt, sugar substitute, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and flour. Beat until well combined and smooth.
4. Pour and Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set. The edges should be slightly golden.
5. Cool and Chill:
- Allow the cheesecake to cool in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Garnish (Optional) and Serve:
- Before serving, you can garnish the cheesecake with sugar-free lemon curd or lemon zest if desired.
