Light And Easy Cheese Cake

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

A light, creamy cheesecake with a tangy lemon flavor, topped with graham cracker crumbs. Perfect for a quick dessert that suits all occasions and tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup sugar
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 small package lemon jello
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Cream the sugar and cream cheese until fluffy.
  2. Add lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
  3. Mix the lemon jello with 1 cup boiling water and let cool until syrupy.
  4. Add the cooled lemon jello to the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Fold in the whipped canned milk into the mixture.
  6. Put a layer of graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of a 9 x 15-inch Pyrex dish.
  7. Spoon the cheesecake mixture onto the crumbs.
  8. Top with more graham cracker crumbs.
  9. Chill well before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure the cream cheese is very soft before mixing, allowing for better incorporation of air. If you're out of lemon jello, you can substitute with a similar flavored gelatin or use fresh lemon zest for a more intense flavor. You can also switch graham cracker crumbs for crushed vanilla wafers for a unique twist. This cheesecake is perfect for pairing with American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesecake is best served chilled and can be garnished with fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit sauce for added flavor. Consider pairing it with a light salad or a refreshing fruit platter for a balanced dessert experience. It also complements well with the rich flavors of Luscious Chocolate Cheesecake when served at a gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the cheesecake longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. To serve from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Light And Easy Cheese Cake contains roughly 220 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium.

220 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 3.6g 5% DV
Carbs 46.7g 17% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 11.5g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 93.9mg 4% DV
Potassium 638.8mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 2.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 50.8mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 26mg 29% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 156mg 12% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 a different type of cheese for this cheesecake?

While cream cheese is traditional for cheesecakes, you could experiment with mascarpone for a richer taste or ricotta for a lighter texture. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and consistency of the final product, so adjust sugar accordingly.

How can I make this cheesecake more decadent?

To enhance the richness, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top or incorporating some melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture. You could also add a layer of fruit preserves under the cheesecake for a burst of flavor.

Can I make this cheesecake without gelatin?

Yes, you can omit the gelatin, but be aware that it may affect the firmness of the cheesecake. To help it set, consider adding whipped cream or sour cream to the mixture, which will provide a creamy texture while still allowing it to hold together.

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).

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