Low-Calorie Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe

Craving a luscious cheesecake but watching your calorie intake? This Low-Calorie Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake offers the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and guilt-free enjoyment. Packed with tangy lemon, juicy blueberries, and a smooth, velvety texture, this dessert will quickly become a favorite. 

Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how you can make this delicious treat at home without derailing your healthy eating goals.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)

• 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

For the Filling:

• 16 oz (450g) reduced-fat cream cheese

• 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup natural sweetener (like Stevia or Hollerith)

• 2 large eggs

• Zest and juice of 2 lemons

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Blueberry Swirl:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp sweetener

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

   • In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted coconut oil, and honey until the mixture resembles wet sand.

   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan lined with parchment paper.

   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Make the Blueberry Swirl:

   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, lemon juice, and sweetener.

   • Cook until the berries break down and the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

   • Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture for a smooth consistency. Let it cool.

3. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, beat reduced-fat cream cheese until smooth.

   • Add Greek yogurt, sweetener, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch.

   • Beat until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake:

   • Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust.

   • Dollop the blueberry puree on top and use a skewer or knife to swirl it into the filling for a marbled effect.

5. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.

   • Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.

6. Chill:

   • Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.

7. Serve:

   • Carefully remove the cheesecake from the spring form pan.

   • Garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon zest before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: ~180

• Protein: 9g

• Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Sugar: 6g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs About Low-Calorie Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake

1. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a gluten-free crust.

2. Can I use frozen blueberries? Absolutely. Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly when making the swirl.

3. How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking? Avoid over mixing the batter and use the method of cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven after baking. This helps prevent cracks.

4. Can I use a different sweetener? Yes, feel free to use your preferred natural sweetener like monk fruit or agave syrup, keeping in mind that sweetness levels may vary.

5. How long does the cheesecake last? Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

7. What if I don’t have a spring form pan? You can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper, but be cautious when removing the cheesecake to avoid breaking it.

Final Thoughts

This Low-Calorie Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake offers a delightful twist on a classic dessert. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising your healthy eating goals. With its tangy lemon notes, sweet blueberry swirls, and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Happy baking!