Lovely Lemon Cheese Cake
A light, tangy cheesecake with a zesty lemon twist, sweetened with cherry pie filling for a playful crunch—perfect for a low‑calorie dessert that still feels indulgent.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush the graham cracker in a plastic bag with a rolling pin to make crumbs.
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- Combine the lemon Jell‑O granules with boiling water and stir until dissolved.
- In a bowl, blend the cottage cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
- Fold in the cooled Jell ‑O mixture 1-2 ½ cups of 0 0 0‑fat 1 0 0
- Fold in 2 cups of Cool Whip Lite until fully incorporated.
- Stir in one cup of reduced‑calorie cherry pie filling.
- Pour the mixture into a 9‑inch springform pan and chill until set, about 2–3 hours.
- Serve chilled, optionally topped with extra cherry pie filling or fresh berries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened before blending with the cottage cheese. If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, consider adding the zest of a lemon to the mixture. For a gluten-free option, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with ground almonds or gluten-free cookie crumbs. This dessert is similar to Mirial Clapp'S Lemonade Pie, but with a creamy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheesecake chilled, optionally topped with extra cherry pie filling or fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a drizzle of lemon glaze or alongside a light salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful end to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cheesecake can also be frozen for up to a month, but it's best enjoyed fresh. To serve after freezing, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lovely Lemon Cheese Cake contains roughly 421 calories, with 21g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 856mg per serving (37% 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 low-fat?
Yes, you can use regular cream cheese for a richer flavor, but it will increase the calorie count. If you're looking for a healthier option, sticking to low-fat or no-fat cream cheese is recommended.
How can I make this cheesecake sugar-free?
To make this cheesecake sugar-free, use sugar-free versions of the Jell-O and cherry pie filling. You can also substitute the Cool Whip Lite with a sugar-free whipped topping to maintain the texture without added sugars.
What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?
If you don't have cherry pie filling, you can substitute it with other fruit toppings like blueberry or raspberry pie filling. Fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or mixed berries, also works well and adds a natural sweetness.
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).