Light Lemon Cheesecake
A light, lemon-flavored cheesecake with a creamy texture and fruity topping, perfect for a refreshing dessert that suits health-conscious guests or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray an 8 or 9-inch spring-form pan or 9-inch pie plate lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sprinkle the bottom and sides with graham cracker crumbs.
- Dissolve the lemon sugar-free jello in boiling water; pour into a blender container.
- Add the light cottage cheese and light cream cheese; cover.
- Blend at medium speed, scraping down sides occasionally, for approximately 2 minutes or until mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a large bowl.
- Stir in thawed lite Cool Whip.
- Pour into the prepared pan or dish.
- Chill until set, approximately 4 hours.
- When set, top with reduced-calorie cherry pie filling and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure the cream cheese is softened before blending. If you prefer a different flavor, consider using sugar-free strawberry or raspberry jello instead of lemon. To add a hint of zest, mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice into the filling. This cheesecake is perfect for those following low-calorie diets, making it a great alternative to richer desserts like Fluffy 2-Step Cheesecake.
Serving Suggestions
This Light Lemon Cheesecake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a light tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a slice of Sugar-Free Pie for a delightful dessert spread at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the cheesecake without the cherry topping for up to a month. To serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the cherry pie filling just before serving for optimal freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Lemon Cheesecake contains roughly 262 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (13% 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 light cream cheese?
Yes, you can use regular cream cheese if you prefer a richer flavor. However, this will increase the calorie content of the cheesecake. If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, sticking with light cream cheese is recommended.
How do I know when the cheesecake is set?
The cheesecake is set when it feels firm to the touch and has a slight jiggle in the center. It should not be liquidy. Chilling for at least 4 hours is crucial for achieving the right consistency, so be patient before serving.
Can I use a different crust instead of graham crackers?
Absolutely! You can use crushed almonds, oats, or even a gluten-free cookie crust as a substitute for graham crackers. Just ensure the crust is finely crushed and properly pressed into the pan to hold its shape.
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).