Simple Low Fat Cheesecake Recipes

LOW-FAT CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with foil to prevent leaks. Coat the inside of the pan with cooking spray.
• Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until crumbled. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water and the butter; pulse until moistened. Press the crumbs onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake until browned, about 8 minutes. Let cool, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, beat both cream cheeses and the sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth, about 5 minutes. Beat in the sour cream on low. Lightly whisk the 3 egg whites in a bowl, then add to the cheese mixture along with the 2 whole eggs, flour, vanilla and lemon zest. Beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Pour over the crust.
• Place the cheesecake in a roasting pan and add enough warm water to come one-quarter of the way up the sides of the springform. Bake until the cake is set but the center still jiggles, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Turn off the oven; keep the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 20 minutes.
• Remove the cake from the water bath and transfer to a rack. Run a knife around the edge, then cool completely. Chill until firm, at least 8 hours. Top as desired.

SIMPLE LOW-FAT CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Melt the butter in the pan in which the cheesecake is to be baked (8"x8".) Remove it from the heat and stir in the graham cracker crumbs, until the butter is evenly distributed and the mixture is crumbly.
• Press it evenly and firmly along the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan.
• Bake the crust for 10 minutes at 350°F.
• Reduce the heat to 325°F.
• Allow the crust to cool.
• Meanwhile, put the sugar and the flour in a large mixing bowl with the salt.
• Grate the lemon zest and add it to the sugar and flour.
• Beat the eggs into the sugar.
• Add the lemon juice, then the buttermilk, and lastly beat in the ricotta cheese. Occasionally if the cheese is very dry and crumbly I have a hard time beating it in smoothly; in that case I put it in the food processor and process for 5 minutes or so until the mixture is very smooth.
• Pour the batter into the crust and bake for 1 hour at 325°F.
• Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
• Good plain or with a fruit topping.