Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

These Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of creamy and fruity flavors, perfect for any occasion. With their low-calorie ingredients and easy preparation, they offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Ideal for gatherings, picnics, or a simple dessert at home, these bars will impress everyone with their taste and texture. Made with Greek yogurt and cream cheese, you’ll enjoy the rich cheesecake experience without the heaviness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute desserts.
• Healthy Ingredients: Using Greek yogurt and light cream cheese means you get all the creamy flavor without the extra calories.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of raspberries and lemon zest adds a refreshing twist that can be enjoyed in any season.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out raspberries for other fruits like blueberries or strawberries based on your preference.
• Satisfying Servings: With 12 servings per batch, these bars are great for sharing or meal prep throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create these Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer (optional)
• Brownie pan
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: A food processor makes blending the biscuit base quick and easy, ensuring a smooth crumb texture.
• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all your cheesecake ingredients without spills.
• Electric hand mixer: While optional, an electric hand mixer can help achieve a perfectly smooth cheesecake batter in no time.

Ingredients

These delicious Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake bars are a sweet and refreshing dessert that’s quick and easy to make. Made with Greek Yogurt and Cream Cheese and no sugar or heavy cream needed- you’ll never believe these Cheesecake Bars are healthy!

For the Base:

• 8 digestive biscuits (118g or sub equal weight oats or a different biscuit)
• 20 g soy protein crisps (sub for 1 extra biscuit or equal parts oats)
• 30 g light butter (normal butter or oil)

For the Filling:

• 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 (sub for cornstarch or flour)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 1 lemon (zest)
• 150 g raspberries (fresh or frozen)

How to Make Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

1. Add the digestive biscuits and soy protein crispsies (if using) to a food processor.
2. Blend for 10-30 seconds until they become crumb-like.
3. Add melted light butter, then mix until slightly sticky.

Step 3: Form the Base

1. Pour the biscuit mixture into a brownie pan lined with parchment paper.
2. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to pat down until even.

Step 4: Bake the Base

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool.

Step 5: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine all filling ingredients (cream cheese, yogurt, eggs, sweetener, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest).
2. Whisk until well combined; avoid over-mixing.

Step 6: Layer with Raspberries

1. Add a handful of raspberries on top of the cooled base.
2. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over them.
3. Add more raspberries and then repeat with remaining batter.
4. Sprinkle extra raspberries on top if desired.

Step 7: Optional Water Bath

For creamier bars, place your brownie pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water until it reaches about an inch high along the sides.

Step 8: Bake Again

Bake for 30-40 minutes; shorter time results in creamier bars while longer gives firmer results.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow to cool slightly before refrigerating for at least 5 hours.

Step 10: Serve

Cut into 12 equal slices, serve chilled, and enjoy!

How to Serve Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

These delightful Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their flavor and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Classic Style

• Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing treat.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for added richness.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Top with additional fresh raspberries for a vibrant color contrast.
• Add slices of lemon or mint leaves for a zesty touch.

Drizzled Sauce

• Drizzle with homemade raspberry sauce made from blended raspberries and a touch of sweetener.
• A light honey or agave syrup drizzle can enhance sweetness without overpowering.

Accompanied by Tea or Coffee

• Serve alongside a cup of herbal tea for a soothing combination.
• Pair with coffee to balance the sweetness and create a satisfying dessert experience.

How to Perfect Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Perfecting these Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars is easy with just a few tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cheesecake bars turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese and eggs sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother batter without lumps.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the cheesecake ingredients just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can lead to cracks while baking.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on baking time; aim for 30 minutes for creamier bars and 40 minutes for firmer ones. The center should still be slightly jiggly when you take them out.
• Cool Gradually: Allow the bars to cool slightly before refrigerating. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
• Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerate the bars for at least five hours, as this allows them to set properly and makes cutting easier.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars can enhance your overall dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness that complements the rich cheesecake flavor.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side that balances sweetness.
3. Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola on the side for added texture and flavor contrast.
4. Creamy Smoothie: Blend up a fruity smoothie as a refreshing drink that pairs well with cheesecake bars.
5. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Sweet strawberries dipped in dark chocolate offer an indulgent yet healthy treat alongside your bars.
6. Herbed Tea Biscuits: Light, savory biscuits can provide an interesting contrast to the sweet cheesecake flavors, making each bite unique.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong sweetener: Not all sweeteners behave the same in recipes. Stick to granulated types that mimic sugar for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined to keep your bars light and fluffy.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing your bars to cool properly ensures they set correctly. Don’t rush this step!
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for best results.
• Ignoring ingredient substitutions: If you don’t have an item on hand, find suitable substitutes as noted in the recipe to maintain flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap then place them in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 160°C (320°F). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, warming each slice for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars:

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, frozen raspberries work well! Just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them.

How can I customize my Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars?

Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or strawberries, or swap out flavors of yogurt for variety.

Are there vegan options available?

Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water, and opt for plant-based cream cheese alternatives.

How do I ensure my cheesecake bars set properly?

Allow them ample cooling time before refrigerating. This step helps them firm up nicely.

Can I make these Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free biscuits or oats as the base for a delicious alternative.

Final Thoughts

These Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Their creamy texture and fruity flavor make them an excellent dessert option. Feel free to customize them with different fruits or flavors based on your preferences.