Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dip: A Low-Points Weight Watchers Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide to making a deliciously light and creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Dip that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan. This decadent treat combines the smooth richness of Philadelphia Cream Cheese with the fruity sweetness of Smucker’s Sugar-Free Strawberry Jam, all topped off with a crunchy graham cracker finish. With minimal SmartPoints, it’s the perfect guilt-free dessert or snack that you can whip up in no time. Follow along for an in-depth look at creating this delightful low-points dessert, complete with all the details you need to make it a staple in your healthy eating routine.

Ingredients

To craft this scrumptious Strawberry Cheesecake Dip, gather the following ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for the smoothest texture.
  • 1/2 cup (125 grams) Smucker’s Sugar-Free Strawberry Jam: This adds a burst of fruity flavor while keeping sugar content low.
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) crushed graham crackers: Provides a crunchy texture reminiscent of traditional cheesecake crust.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dip.
  • 1-2 tablespoons powdered erythritol (optional): Use this low-carb sweetener if you prefer a bit more sweetness.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

  • Begin by letting the Philadelphia Cream Cheese sit out at room temperature to soften. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy consistency. If you’re short on time, cut the cream cheese into smaller chunks to speed up the softening process.
  • Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing the crackers in a resealable plastic bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin, or by pulsing them in a food processor until you achieve a fine crumb.

2. Mix the Cream Cheese Base:

  • In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. This process should take about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue to mix until the vanilla is fully incorporated into the cream cheese, blending for an additional 30 seconds.

3. Incorporate the Strawberry Jam:

  • Gradually fold in the Smucker’s Sugar-Free Strawberry Jam into the cream cheese mixture. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon until the jam is fully combined and the mixture has an even pink color. If using a hand mixer, mix on low speed to prevent splashing.

4. Adjust Sweetness:

  • Taste your dip. If you prefer a sweeter dip, slowly add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered erythritol, adjusting to your taste preference. Mix thoroughly after each addition to ensure the sweetener is evenly distributed.

5. Prepare the Graham Cracker Topping:

  • In a small bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers. For added sweetness, you can also toss the crumbs with a small amount of powdered erythritol. This step is optional but can enhance the flavor of the graham cracker topping.

6. Assemble the Dip:

  • Transfer the strawberry cheesecake mixture to a serving bowl. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
  • Evenly sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the top of the dip. This will give the dip a classic cheesecake crust flavor and a satisfying crunch.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Garnish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance, if desired.
  • Serve immediately with your choice of dippers such as fresh fruit slices (e.g., apple or pear) or low-point graham crackers. Alternatively, use this dip as a topping for low-carb desserts or as a filling for a low-carb crepe.

Additional Tips

  1. Cream Cheese Softening: For faster softening, cut the cream cheese into small chunks and let it sit at room temperature. You can also microwave it for 10-second intervals, but be careful not to overheat it.
  2. Graham Cracker Substitutes: To lower points even further, consider using alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour. These options provide a similar texture with fewer carbs.
  3. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors by substituting the strawberry jam with other sugar-free fruit preserves, such as blueberry or raspberry, for a variety of flavors.
  4. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare this dip up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Add the graham cracker topping just before serving to maintain its crunch.
  5. Creative Serving Ideas: Use this dip as a filling for low-carb dessert crepes, or pair it with vanilla wafer cookies for a more indulgent treat. It can also be used as a topping for low-carb pancakes or waffles.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1/4 cup of dip without graham cracker topping):

  • Calories: 115
  • Total Fat: 9 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 5 grams
  • Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
  • Sodium: 85 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 5 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
  • Sugars: 2 grams
  • Net Carbs: 4 grams
  • Protein: 4 grams

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

On the Weight Watchers Freestyle plan, each serving (1/4 cup) of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dip is approximately 4 SmartPoints. This value assumes the use of Smucker’s Sugar-Free Strawberry Jam and Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Adjustments in ingredient choices or serving sizes may slightly alter the SmartPoints value.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dip is a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements that fits seamlessly into your Weight Watchers plan. It’s a versatile dessert that’s easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or savoring it as a personal treat, this low-points dessert is sure to please. Enjoy the indulgent flavors while keeping your SmartPoints in check. Happy dipping!

Feel free to experiment with different variations and serving methods to make this dip your own. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising your healthy eating goals.