Healthy Cheesecake

Who doesn’t love cheesecake? Creamy, rich, and oh-so-decadent! But traditional cheesecakes are often loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. That’s why I’ve created this healthy cheesecake recipe – it’s light, refined sugar-free, and made with wholesome ingredients, while still delivering that creamy, delicious flavor we all crave.

If you’re looking for a healthier dessert option that’s easy to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with protein, you’ve come to the right place. This mini cheesecake recipe is the perfect guilt-free treat for anyone who loves cheesecake but wants a lighter, more nutritious version.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cheesecake

• Refined sugar-free: uses a natural sugar alternative for a lower glycemic impact.
• Whole grain crust: made with whole wheat cookies for added fiber and nutrition.
• Protein-packed: made with Greek yogurt and light cream cheese for a high-protein, creamy filling.
• Perfect portion size: ideal for individual servings without the temptation of a full-sized cheesecake!
• Easy to make: no fancy equipment needed, just simple ingredients and a standard oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Healthy Cheesecake:

For the Crust:

• Whole wheat cookies (or sugar-free cookies as an alternative) – for a wholesome, fiber-rich base
• Butter or coconut oil – binds the crust together and adds richness

For the Filling:

• Light cream cheese – provides the classic creamy texture with less fat
• Non-fat Greek yogurt – adds protein and a light tanginess
• Eggs – help to bind and create the perfect cheesecake texture
• Natural sugar alternative (erythritol, monk fruit, or coconut sugar) – to sweeten without refined sugar
• All-purpose flour or oat flour – helps to stabilize the filling
• Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note
• Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors

Tools You Need for the Healthy Cheesecake:

• 17 cm (7-inch) mini cake pan – for the perfect size cheesecake.
• Parchment paper – to prevent sticking.
• Mixing bowls – for combining the crust and filling ingredients.
• Whisk or hand mixer – to ensure a smooth cheesecake filling.
• Food processor or rolling pin – to crush the cookies for the crust.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
• Sieve – for sifting the flour to prevent lumps.
• Oven – for baking your cheesecake.
• Cooling rack – to allow proper cooling before refrigeration.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 100 g (1 cup) whole wheat cookies, crushed
• 50 g (¼ cup) butter or coconut oil, melted

For the Filling:

• 160 g (¾ cup) light cream cheese
• 350 g (1 ½ cups) non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 90 g (½ cup) natural sugar alternative
• 20 g (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour or oat flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Directions:

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a 17 cm (7-inch) mini cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Crush the whole wheat cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
3. In a bowl, mix the crushed cookies with melted butter until well combined.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan to form an even crust.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and sugar alternative until smooth.
2. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Sift in the flour and stir gently until just combined.
4. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Bake & Cool:

1. Bake the cheesecake at 160°C (320°F) for 45–55 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 15 minutes.
3. Transfer to the counter and let it cool completely before refrigerating for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight). Serve with homemade strawberry sauce (recipe below).

Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Refined Sugar-Free)

Ingredients:

• 250 g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 60 ml (¼ cup) water
• 2 tbsp rice syrup (or another natural sweetener)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries and water over medium heat.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften.
3. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender (or a regular blender) to puree the mixture until smooth.
4. Stir in the rice syrup and vanilla extract (if using). Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
5. Let the sauce cool before serving. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips and Tricks:

• Chill before serving: The cheesecake will firm up and develop the best texture after chilling overnight.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This prevents lumps in your filling and ensures a silky-smooth texture.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can add too much air to the batter, causing cracks when baking.
• Water bath method (optional): To prevent cracks, place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to create steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheesecake without eggs?
Yes! Substitute 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for a similar texture.

How long does this cheesecake last?
Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months.

What is the best sugar alternative for this recipe?
Erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or coconut sugar work best. Liquid sweeteners like honey may affect the texture.

More Baking Ideas:

• Flower Brownies – Fudgy brownies topped with colorful “flowers” that are as fun to look at as they are to eat – perfect for a playful twist on a classic treat!
• Frosted Oreo Cookies – Soft, chewy cookies crowned with creamy Oreo frosting—perfect for anyone who loves a cookies-and-cream dream!
• Tiramisu Cookies – Espresso and mascarpone come together in these elegant Tiramisu Cookies, delivering the flavors of the classic Italian dessert in every bite.
• Chocolate Banana Bread – Rich, moist, and studded with chocolate chips, this Chocolate Banana Bread is a heavenly treat for chocolate and banana lovers alike.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: