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Light Cherry Cheesecake

SECRET INGREDIENTS This cheesecake has a velvety texture but less fat than more familiar versions, thanks to reduced-fat versions of cream cheese and sour cream—plus the unexpected addition of low-fat cottage cheese. With its delectable cherry topping, this dessert will please everyone, even those not counting calories.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 10

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
8 graham crackers (3-by-5-inch size)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, such as safflower
3 cups low-fat (1%) cottage cheese
8 ounces reduced-fat bar cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 bags (12 ounces each) frozen cherries

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 325°F, with rack in lower third. Assemble a 9-inch springform pan with the rimmed side of the pan’s bottom facing down. Coat pan with cooking spray; line side with a long strip of waxed or parchment paper.

    Step 2

    In a food processor, grind graham crackers until fine crumbs form. Add oil and pulse to moisten. Transfer crumbs to prepared pan, and press firmly into the bottom. Place pan on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until crust is lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, clean bowl and blade of food processor. Blend cottage cheese and cream cheese until very smooth and glossy, scraping down bowl as necessary, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 3/4 cup sugar, the sour cream, eggs, flour, vanilla, and salt; blend just until filling is smooth.

    Step 4

    Pour filling into crust (crust can be hot or warm). Bake until barely set in center, about 1 hour. Turn oven off; let cake cool in oven 1 hour. Transfer cake in pan to a wire rack, and let cool completely, about 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours or up to 2 days.

    Step 5

    While cake is baking, in a large skillet, combine cherries and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Boil until liquid is thick and syrupy, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool, then transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.

    Step 6

    To serve, unmold cheesecake (peel off and discard paper lining). Transfer to a serving platter; top with cherry topping.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 7

    (Per Serving)

    Step 8

    Calories: 263

    Step 9

    Fat: 9.7g (4.7g Saturated Fat)

    Step 10

    Protein: 14.9g

    Step 11

    Carbohydrates: 30.9g

    Step 12

    Fiber: 1.6g

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