Ahhhh, cheesecake recipes. This is one of those desserts that I just adore but don’t eat too often because of the calories. Just by nature, cheesecake screams “I’m going to break my diet.” This lightened up chocolate cherry cheesecake is just a bit lighter on your hips.
Delicious Lightened Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake
I decided to see just how much I could lighten the dessert up without too much of a sacrifice on taste. And I discovered that this one does quite well in that regard.
What I came up with was this recipe for Lightened Chocolate Cherry cheesecake is absolutely a must try. I used reduced fat cream cheese and sour cream to save on the calorie count without sacrificing any of the flavor. The recipe is easy to follow, and I love the fact that ingredients needed are just a few.
Let your imagination run wild on the toppings. Toffee bits would give it a nice extra crunch. You can use fat free cook whip for extra calorie savings too. And here is a trick: use the mini chocolate chips on top to give more of the delicious bites than the larger one gives. It makes you feel as though you are getting more chocolate.
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- Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Filling
- 5 (8-oz.) pkg. reduce fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 pure tablespoon vanilla
- 5 eggs
- 1(8-oz.) container reduced fat sour cream
- Whip cream topping
- Chopped nuts
- Miniature semisweet chocolate chips
- Toffee bits
- Coconut
- Heat oven to 350°F. In ungreased 13x9-inch pan, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter; mix well. Press crust mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Bake at 350°F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F.
- Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat the reduced fat cream cheese and sugar until blended. Add vanilla and eggs; beat until smooth. Add in the reduced fat sour cream; blend well. Pour into crust-lined pan.
- Bake at 300°F. for 35 to 40 minutes or until edges are set and center is still soft. Remove from oven; place on wire rack. Cool 1 hour. Cover; refrigerate at least 6 hours or until serving time.
- Top with your favorite toppings.
