Low-Fat Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe: A Guilt-Free Delight

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup fat-free margarine (or butter, if preferred)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces fat-free sour cream
• 24 ounces (3 packages) fat-free cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup fat-free milk
• 1 cup sugar or sugar substitute (such as Splenda)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 1/3 cup key lime juice
• 1 9-inch springform pan

Directions

Preparing the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
3. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and fat-free margarine until well combined.
4. Evenly spread the crumb mixture over the bottom of the springform pan.

Making the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fat-free cream cheese, sugar (or sugar substitute), and vanilla bean paste. Start mixing on low speed until blended, then increase the speed and whip until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
2. Add the key lime juice and continue mixing thoroughly.
3. Gradually add the fat-free milk, mixing until the texture is smooth. If the mixture is too runny, add more cream cheese.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Pour the creamy filling into the prepared crust in the springform pan.
2. Place the springform pan into a larger pan and add water to the larger pan until it reaches 1-2 inches up the side of the springform pan. This water bath helps prevent burning.
3. Bake for about 30 minutes, then check the cheesecake. Continue baking until the center puffs up and is almost set.
4. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and the water bath. Let it cool on a cooling rack until it reaches room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with fresh fruit for a beautiful presentation.
• Adjust the sweetness or add more key lime juice to suit your taste preferences.

Nutritional Information

Interesting Facts

• Key Limes vs. Persian Limes: Key limes are smaller and more aromatic than the more common Persian limes. They have a unique flavor that is essential for authentic key lime pie and cheesecake.
• Health Benefits: Using fat-free ingredients and sugar substitutes can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of traditional cheesecake recipes, making it a healthier option for those watching their weight or managing diabetes.

Sources

• American Diabetes Association
• Mayo Clinic on Low-Fat Diets

About the Author

Chef Shelley Pogue is a Cum Laude graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and an Executive Research and Development Chef for Vertical Sales and Marketing in San Ramon, CA. She also serves as the desserts editor for Bella Online.

Enjoy this guilt-free, delicious dessert and share it with friends and family!