Satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health with our Skinny Brown Sugar Vanilla Cheesecake recipe. This guilt-free dessert is a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake, featuring a light and creamy filling infused with the rich flavors of brown sugar and vanilla. With a buttery chocolate digestive cookie crust and a decadent cheesecake filling made with light cream cheese and fat-free cottage cheese, this dessert is sure to impress without weighing you down. Join us as we guide you through the steps to creating this delicious treat, along with some helpful cooking tips, variations, and even keto and low-carb options. Get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven with our Skinny Brown Sugar Vanilla Cheesecake!
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 100 grams chocolate digestive cookies
- 1 tablespoon Earth Balance (or any butter substitute)
For the filling:
- 8 oz. (225 grams) light cream cheese
- 750 grams fat-free cottage cheese
- 30 grams all-purpose flour
- 30 grams cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla custard powder
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Juice from half a lemon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, pulse the chocolate digestive cookies until finely ground.
- Melt the Earth Balance in a microwave-safe bowl, then add it to the cookie crumbs. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the light cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the fat-free cottage cheese, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, vanilla custard powder, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the bowl. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for another hour to cool gradually.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For a chocolate twist, you can add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the crust mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cookies for the crust, such as graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
- To enhance the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling mixture.
- For a smoother texture, strain the cottage cheese through a fine mesh sieve before using it in the filling.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can make a keto-friendly version of Skinny Brown Sugar Vanilla Cheesecake:
- Replace the chocolate digestive cookies with a mixture of almond flour and crushed pecans for the crust.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of light cream cheese and fat-free cottage cheese.
- Sweeten the cheesecake with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of brown sugar.
- Skip the flour, cornstarch, and vanilla custard powder in the filling to reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use regular cream cheese and cottage cheese instead of the light and fat-free versions? A: Yes, you can use regular cream cheese and cottage cheese if you prefer, but keep in mind that it will increase the calorie and fat content of the cheesecake.
Q: Can I freeze leftover cheesecake? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover cheesecake for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
In conclusion, our Skinny Brown Sugar Vanilla Cheesecake is a delicious and satisfying dessert option that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and guilt-free ingredients, this cheesecake is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying a slice for dessert or indulging in a sweet treat with your morning coffee, this cheesecake is sure to hit the spot. Plus, with our keto and low-carb variations, you can enjoy all the flavor of this classic dessert while staying true to your dietary goals. So why wait? Whip up a batch of Skinny Brown Sugar Vanilla Cheesecake today and treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss!
