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.