Celestial Cheesecake
A light and creamy cheesecake with a lemon and vanilla flavor, topped with whipped Dream Whip, perfect for a refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers in the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan sprayed with Pam.
- Place cottage cheese, cream cheese, sugar, egg whites, vanilla, and lemon juice in a blender.
- Whip until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Cool the cheesecake.
- Stir together prepared Dream Whip, sugar, and sour cream.
- Spread the Dream Whip mixture on the cooled cheesecake.
- Chill in the refrigerator.
- Remove sides of the pan before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cheesecake, consider using low-fat versions of the cream cheese and cottage cheese. If you don't have Dream Whip, you can substitute with whipped cream or a homemade whipped topping made from heavy cream. Adjust the sugar to taste, especially if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Experimenting with different citrus juices can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. It pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit topping, like berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. Consider serving it alongside a light dessert like Lemon 'Icebox' Sandwich for a delightful contrast. Perfect for gatherings, this cheesecake can be a centerpiece at any celebration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, keep the Dream Whip topping separate until ready to serve. If you need to freeze it, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celestial Cheesecake contains roughly 199 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of nonfat?
Yes, you can use regular cream cheese if you prefer a richer flavor and creamier texture. However, it will increase the calorie content of the cheesecake. If you want to maintain a lighter option, stick with nonfat products or low-fat alternatives for a healthier dessert.
What can I substitute for the egg whites?
If you're looking for an egg-free option, you can use unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer. Typically, 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of egg replacer mixed with 2 tablespoons of water can replace one egg white. This will help maintain moisture and texture in your cheesecake.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to cracks. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).