Howard'S No-Fat New York Cheesecake
A creamy, no-fat New York cheesecake featuring tangy sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and cherry topping, perfect for light dessert lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 300°F.
- Spray a 9-inch spring-form pan with cooking spray.
- Line the bottom with a parchment or waxed paper ring and place it in the pan.
- Spray the bottom of the pan.
- Process graham crackers and sprinkle them in the bottom of the pan.
- Place cottage cheese in a strainer and gently push water out.
- Put cottage cheese into a processor and blend for 2 minutes until creamy.
- Add cream cheese, sugar, flour, sour cream, and egg whites to the processor and blend for 30 seconds.
- Add vanilla and lemon zest to the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the spring-form pan.
- Bake for 70 to 80 minutes or until the top is set but the center is a tiny bit wobbly when the side of the pan is tapped.
- Turn off the oven but leave the cake inside for 30 more minutes.
- Remove the cake from the oven and put it on a cooling rack.
- Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it.
- Cool the cake for 3 hours.
- Refrigerate for 3 hours covered.
- Cover the top with cherry pie filling before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute low-fat cream cheese for a healthier option. If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar. For a hint of spice, try adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. This cheesecake is perfect for those who enjoy a lighter dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this cheesecake with a generous dollop of cherry pie filling on top for added sweetness and a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. This cheesecake is also a fantastic dessert option for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To maintain freshness, avoid stacking anything on top of the cheesecake. If you want to serve it warm, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving or gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Howard'S No-Fat New York Cheesecake contains roughly 28 calories, with 2g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 different fruit toppings for this cheesecake?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is a classic choice, you can experiment with other toppings such as fresh berries, sliced peaches, or even a drizzle of Drizzlin, Droolin, Hot Fudge Sauce For Ice Cream for a chocolatey twist.
Is it necessary to use a spring-form pan?
Using a spring-form pan is recommended as it allows for easy removal of the cheesecake without damaging it. If you don't have one, you can bake it in a regular cake pan, but be sure to line the bottom with parchment paper for easier extraction.
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 wobble. It will firm up as it cools. Remember to leave it in the oven after turning it off for additional gentle cooking, which helps prevent cracks.
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).