Ingredients:
- 2 cups light cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sweetener (e.g., Swerve, Truvia)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- Fresh berries for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetener and continue to beat until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the almond flour and almond milk until you have a smooth batter.
- Add the almond flour mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat until everything is well combined.
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheesecakes are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow the cheesecakes to cool in the muffin tin, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Top with fresh berries before serving if desired.
Introduction: Embark on a journey of culinary elegance with our Weight Watchers Cheesecake Cups, a delightful treat that seamlessly merges the decadence of cheesecake with the mindful approach of Weight Watchers. This miniature dessert is a testament to the art of creating a rich and creamy indulgence without compromising on health-conscious choices. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of crafting these cheesecake cups, complete with precise measurements, detailed instructions, and invaluable nutritional insights.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (whole wheat for added fiber)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or sugar substitute
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar or sugar substitute
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
For the Topping:
- Fresh berries or sugar-free fruit preserves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter. Spoon a tablespoon of the mixture into each cupcake liner, pressing it down firmly to form the crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened reduced-fat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and fat-free Greek yogurt. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners:
- Spoon the cheesecake batter over the crust in each cupcake liner, filling them nearly to the top. Smooth the surface with a spatula for a polished finish.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set, and the centers have a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy texture.
- Cool and Refrigerate:
- Allow the cheesecake cups to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Prior to serving, garnish each cheesecake cup with fresh berries or a dollop of sugar-free fruit preserves for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake cup
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 4g
Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints: 6 per serving
Culinary Insights:
- Crust Variation: Experiment with different crust options, such as using crushed nuts or substituting with a gluten-free alternative.
- Flavor Infusion: Enhance the cheesecake filling with a hint of citrus zest or a splash of your favorite extract for added depth of flavor.
- Creative Toppings: Explore various topping options like drizzling with sugar-free chocolate sauce or adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts for texture.
Conclusion: Our Weight Watchers Cheesecake Cups epitomize the balance between indulgence and mindful eating, proving that health-conscious choices can be a culinary delight. At just 6 SmartPoints per serving, these cheesecake cups invite you to savor the creamy decadence of cheesecake without compromising your wellness goals. Elevate your dessert experience with this miniature masterpiece, showcasing the art of crafting a guilt-free indulgence that celebrates the joy of mindful eating. Delight your taste buds and nourish your soul with each luscious bite of these Weight Watchers Cheesecake Cups, a symphony of flavors that proves that dessert can indeed be a delightful and health-conscious affair.