Make It Light - Pumpkin Cheesecake Delight
A light and creamy pumpkin cheesecake with warm spices, perfect for fall gatherings or holiday desserts, offering a healthier twist with nonfat ingredients and delicate flavors.
Ingredients
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1 cup nonfat Ricotta cheese
- 2 (8 oz.) tubs nonfat cream cheese
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can mashed cooked pumpkin
- 4 egg whites ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 3 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat the bottom of a 10-inch spring-form pan with vegetable cooking spray. Wrap outside, bottom, and sides of the pan with aluminum foil.
- In a food processor, add Ricotta cheese and cream cheese and process until smooth.
- Add the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, then process until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a large bowl and stir in the mashed cooked pumpkin. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed until foamy.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and beat until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in one-quarter of the egg white mixture into the pumpkin mixture.
- Continue folding in the remaining egg white mixture until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared spring-form pan.
- Place the pan in a large shallow pan and add hot water to the larger pan to a depth of about 1 inch.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 45 to 50 minutes until set.
- Remove from the oven and take off the foil from the outside of the spring-form pan.
- Cover and chill the cheesecake for 8 hours before serving.
- Serve with fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip on top of each slice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the nonfat cream cheese with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake, increase the brown sugar slightly. Be careful not to overmix the egg whites; gentle folding helps maintain the light texture. This cheesecake pairs beautifully with fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pumpkin Cheesecake Delight chilled, topped with fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Cool Whip for an extra creamy finish. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations. Pair it with a warm beverage, like hot chocolate, for a comforting dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds at a time until just warm. Avoid reheating the entire cheesecake, as it may alter its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make It Light - Pumpkin Cheesecake Delight contains roughly 119 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Make sure to roast and mash it until smooth. You'll need about 2 cups of mashed fresh pumpkin to replace the 16 oz. can. Remember to drain any excess moisture to maintain the right consistency in your cheesecake.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
For an even creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. This will enhance the flavor without compromising the lightness of the cheesecake.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made up to two days in advance. Just cover it tightly in the refrigerator after it has cooled completely. Chilling overnight helps the flavors meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
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).