Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Skinny Berry Cheesecake Bars are a deliciously light twist on traditional cheesecake, featuring a rich and creamy lemon-flavored filling topped with fresh, vibrant berries. With a simple almond crust, this dessert offers all the flavor of cheesecake without the heavy calories. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet berries creates the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or looking for a healthier dessert option, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and refreshing!

Ingredients

Almond Crust:

• 2 cups ground almonds
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 4 packets Splenda sugar or sugar alternative (or sugar alternative of choice if diabetic), or ¼ cup brown sugar if not diabetic

Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:

• 12 oz light cream cheese
• ½ cup fat-free natural yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 12 packets Splenda or sugar alternative of choice (or ½ cup of sugar if not diabetic)

Berry/Fruit Toppings:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced in half
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Almond Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground almonds, melted butter or margarine, and Splenda or brown sugar. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Press the almond mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the light cream cheese, fat-free yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Splenda (or sugar alternative of your choice) and mix until the sweetener is fully incorporated.
3. Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the cooled almond crust, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
4. Place the bars in the fridge to set for at least 2-3 hours or until the filling is firm.

For the Berry Toppings:

1. Once the cheesecake bars have set, top them with the fresh strawberries (sliced in half) and blueberries.
2. Slice the bars into squares and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 bars. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 2-3 hours of chilling time for the filling to set.

Variations

• Different Fruit Toppings: You can use other fresh fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or kiwi slices for a variety of toppings.
• Crust Alternatives: If you prefer a graham cracker crust, you can substitute the almond crust with crushed graham crackers and a little butter.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt to make this recipe dairy-free while still keeping it light and creamy.

Storage/Reheating

Store these Skinny Berry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re best served cold, and you can enjoy them straight from the fridge without needing to reheat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different sugar substitute?

Yes, feel free to use your preferred sugar substitute, whether it’s Stevia, Erythritol, or another option that suits your dietary needs.

2. Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars need time to set, so they can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use full-fat cream cheese?

While light cream cheese is used to keep the recipe on the healthier side, you can use full-fat cream cheese for a richer taste, but it will increase the calorie content.

4. How do I make sure the crust is firm?

Press the almond crust mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base. Baking the crust before adding the filling helps it set and stay firm.

5. Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

6. Can I substitute the almonds in the crust?

If you prefer, you can substitute the ground almonds with crushed graham crackers or oats to create a different flavor or texture for the crust.

7. Can I use frozen berries?

Fresh berries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen berries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.

8. Can I add flavorings to the cream cheese filling?

You can experiment with other flavors, such as vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon, to customize the filling to your liking.

9. Can I make these bars without a crust?

If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can omit the crust entirely and simply serve the cheesecake filling topped with the berries.

10. Can I make this dessert without lemon?

Yes, you can make a vanilla-flavored cheesecake filling by skipping the lemon zest and juice. Alternatively, you can use lime for a citrusy twist.

Conclusion

These Skinny Berry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt! With a crunchy almond crust, a creamy lemon filling, and fresh berries on top, they’re a deliciously light dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and completely customizable, these cheesecake bars will quickly become your go-to treat for healthier indulgence.

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