Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Why Make This Recipe
Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that offers a guilt-free way to enjoy dessert. These bars are low in calories but high in flavor, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals. The combination of tangy raspberries and creamy cheesecake makes for a delicious pairing that is both refreshing and indulgent. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family!
How to Make Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 8 digestive biscuits (118g or substitute with equal weight of oats or a different biscuit)
- 20 g soy protein crisps (substitute for 1 extra biscuit or equal parts oats)
- 30 g light butter (use 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 (substitute for cornstarch or flour)
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 lemon (zest)
- 150 g raspberries (fresh or frozen)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Add the biscuits and soy protein crisps (if you’re using them) to a food processor. Blend for 10-30 seconds until finely crushed.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until you have a slightly sticky crumble.
- Pour the crumb mixture into a brownie pan lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to pat it down evenly.
- Bake the base for 10 minutes and then let it cool.
- In a medium bowl, add the cheesecake ingredients: cream cheese, yogurt, eggs, sweetener, protein powder, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk together by hand or with an electric mixer until well combined and smooth. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Add a handful of raspberries to the cooled base, pour half of the cheesecake batter over it, and then add more raspberries. Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle extra raspberries on that.
- Optional: Place the brownie pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water, making sure the water level comes up about 1 inch on the sides.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes (30 minutes for a creamier texture and 40 minutes for a firmer result).
- Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before refrigerating for at least 5 hours.
- Cut into 12 equal slices and enjoy!
How to Serve Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
These bars are perfect for any occasion! Serve them chilled, and you can top them with extra fresh raspberries or a dollop of yogurt for added flair. They make a great dessert for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat after dinner.
How to Store Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Store the leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to a week. Make sure to give them a few minutes at room temperature before serving again, as this will enhance the flavors and the texture.
Tips to Make Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother batter.
- For a thicker crust, add more crushed biscuits or oats to the base.
- Feel free to swap out the raspberries for another fruit, like blueberries or strawberries, based on your preference.
Variation
You can make these bars gluten-free by using gluten-free biscuits or oats as the base. Experiment with different flavors by adding cocoa powder for a chocolate version or cinnamon for warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the recipe.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are set and a slight jiggle remains in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt to make it vegan!
