Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry cheesecake bars are a delicious dessert that combines the rich and creamy taste of cheesecake with the delightful tartness of raspberries. They are not only tasty but also healthier than traditional cheesecake recipes. The balance of flavors, along with their delightful texture, makes them a favorite treat for many. This recipe brings you a healthier version of the classic cheesecake bar. The blend of light cream cheese, yogurt, and fresh or frozen raspberries creates a delicious dessert that you won’t feel guilty about enjoying.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this healthy raspberry cheesecake bars recipe for many reasons. First, they are easy to make, even if you are not a baking expert. Second, they offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe uses lighter ingredients such as low-fat cream cheese and yogurt, making it lower in calories than most cheesecakes. The texture is creamy and smooth, while the raspberries add a nice touch of tartness and color. They are perfect for a summer gathering, a family dessert night, or simply as a sweet treat during the week. Plus, they can be sliced into convenient portions, making them easy to share or store for later.

 

 

HOW TO MAKE Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Making raspberry cheesecake bars is simple and fun. Just follow the step-by-step instructions, and you will have a delicious dessert ready in no time.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make these raspberry cheesecake bars, you will need some basic kitchen equipment:

1. Food processor
2. Brownie pan or square baking dish
3. Parchment paper
4. Mixing bowls (medium and large)
5. Whisk or electric hand mixer
6. Spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Knife for cutting bars

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these healthy raspberry cheesecake bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 digestive biscuits (118g or sub equal weight oats or a different biscuit)
• 20 g soy protein crisps (sub for 1 extra biscuit or equal parts oats)
• 30 g light butter (normal butter or oil)
• 1 tbsp milk
• 250 g light cream cheese
• 350 g yogurt (vanilla or plain)
• 2 eggs
• 100 g granulated zero-calorie sweetener (or any granulated sweetener of choice)
• 60 g vanilla protein powder (sub for cornstarch or flour see notes below)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 1 lemon (zest)
• 150 g raspberries (fresh or frozen)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. Make the Base: Add the digestive biscuits and soy protein crisps (if using) to a food processor and blend for 10-30 seconds until they are finely crumbled.
3. Add Butter: Melt the light butter and add it to the crumbled biscuit mixture. Mix until it becomes a slightly sticky crumble.
4. Prepare the Pan: Line a brownie pan with parchment paper. Pour the base mixture into the pan, using the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down evenly.
5. Bake the Base: Bake the base in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, let it cool slightly.
6. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, add all cheesecake ingredients: light cream cheese, yogurt, eggs, sweetener, vanilla powder, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk by hand or use an electric mixer until everything is well combined and no lumps remain. Be careful not to over-mix.
7. Layer the Cheesecake: Scatter a handful of raspberries over the cooled base. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the raspberries. Then, add more raspberries and pour the remaining batter on top. Finally, sprinkle extra raspberries on the very top.
8. Water Bath (Optional): For a creamier texture, place the muffin tin containing the cheesecakes into a larger baking dish filled with hot water. Make sure the water level comes up about 1 inch on the sides of the pan.
9. Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Bake for 30-40 minutes. Bake for 30 minutes if you prefer a creamier texture, or 40 minutes for a firmer outcome.
10. Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the bars to cool slightly at room temperature. Then transfer them to the refrigerator and let chill for a minimum of 5 hours.
11. Cut and Serve: After chilling, cut into 12 equal slices. Serve and enjoy your delicious healthy raspberry cheesecake bars!

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

These healthy raspberry cheesecake bars can be served in various ways. You can present them as they are, or you can drape a light layer of yogurt or whipped cream over the top for added flair. Fresh raspberries make a beautiful garnish. They are perfect for summer picnics, birthday parties, or cozy dinners at home. You can also pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

To store your healthy raspberry cheesecake bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Slice the bars and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

You can serve these cheesecake bars with various toppings or sides. Consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for richness. Fresh mint leaves can give a refreshing touch. You might also drizzle some chocolate sauce or berry compote over the bars for extra flavor. These bars could pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to change this recipe to suit your taste. You could swap out the raspberries for other berries like blueberries or strawberries. If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, use cottage cheese or a non-dairy alternative. For an added crunch, sprinkle some nuts or seeds on top before baking. You can also increase the sweetness by adding a bit more sweetener or using flavored yogurt. Experiment and find your favorite combination!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?
   Yes, frozen raspberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be aware that they might release more juice during baking.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   To make these cheesecake bars gluten-free, use gluten-free biscuits or oats instead of regular digestive biscuits.
3. Can I use different sweeteners?
   Yes, you can use any granulated sweetener of your choice. Just adjust the amount according to the sweetness of the sweetener you use.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and yogurt with dairy-free alternatives. Look for products that have similar textures.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Making these cheesecake bars ahead of time is a great idea. You can prepare them a day in advance, allowing them to chill overnight. This way, they will have the best flavor and texture when served. Just keep them stored properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cut and serve them. If you plan to freeze them, make sure to wrap them nicely, so they maintain their quality when defrosted later.

By following these steps and tips, you’re sure to create a delightful batch of healthy raspberry cheesecake bars that everyone will love. Enjoy your tasty treat!

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