Lemon Cheese Pie
Lemon Cheese Pie is a refreshing and light dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the creamy richness of Ricotta cheese. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, this pie offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a great choice for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and reduced calorie oleo.
- Spray a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray and press crumb mixture over the back and sides of the plate.
- Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until crisp.
- Cool the crust.
- Pour evaporated skim milk into a medium-sized bowl, cover, and freeze until partially frozen (15 to 20 minutes).
- Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, dissolve lemon gelatin in boiling water. Set aside.
- With an electric mixer, beat the partially frozen milk until thick and foamy. Gradually beat in the dissolved gelatin.
- Add 1/2 cup of Ricotta cheese to the gelatin mixture and beat.
- Add the remaining Ricotta cheese, beating until smooth. Pour the mixture into the cooled crust.
- Cover and refrigerate until set (about 3 hours).
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting the reduced calorie oleo with unsweetened applesauce, which can add moisture without extra fat. If you don’t have part-skim Ricotta cheese, low-fat cream cheese can work as a substitute, though the texture may be slightly different. Ensure the evaporated skim milk is well-chilled before freezing for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Cheese Pie is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with more American recipes like a light salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside coffee or tea for a refreshing dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If you want to enjoy it again, simply slice and serve directly from the fridge. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the pie.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Cheese Pie contains roughly 110 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 5g 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 regular gelatin instead of low calorie lemon gelatin?
Yes, you can use regular lemon gelatin if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may differ slightly. You might want to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to account for the sweetness of regular gelatin.
Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Absolutely! You can substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives made from almond or coconut flour. You may need to adjust the amount of oleo used, as gluten-free crusts can vary in texture. Just ensure the cooking spray is also gluten-free.
What can I use instead of evaporated skim milk?
If you don't have evaporated skim milk on hand, you can make your own by simmering regular skim milk to reduce it by about half. Alternatively, unsweetened almond milk can be used for a dairy-free version, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
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).