I was emailed this delicious low calorie strawberry dessert from a reader named Amy. I think it is a lovely fit into National Strawberry Month. This No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake will make a welcome addition to any summer gathering or strawberry celebration. Each slice contains 163 calories and only 2 grams of fat. What a delicious way to end a dinner with friends!
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
From Woman’s Day
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Recipe Ingredients
Crust
6 whole lowfat honey graham crackers (2 squares each), crushed to fine crumbs
2 Tbsp butter, melted, and mixed with 1 Tbsp honey
Filling
1 box (3 oz) strawberry-kiwi flavor gelatin
2⁄3 cup boiling water
1 tub (16 oz) 1% fat cottage cheese
2 bricks (8 oz each) fat-free cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp strawberry extract or 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
1 pt (about 12 oz) fresh strawberries
2 Tbsp strawberry jelly, melted
Garnish: small mint leaves (optional)
Recipe Preparation
Coat an 8 x 3-in. springform pan with nonstick spray.
Crust: Mix crumbs with butter mixture until evenly moistened. Press firmly over bottom and 3⁄4 in. up side of prepared pan. Place in freezer.
Filling: Dissolve gelatin in boiling water in a 1-cup measure. Purée cottage cheese in food processor until creamy. Add gelatin, cream cheese, sugar and extract; process until smooth. Pour into prepared crust; smooth top. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours, or until set.
Topping: Wash and dry berries; remove stems. Quarter each lengthwise and place in a bowl; add jelly and gently toss to coat. Remove sides of springform pan; place cheesecake on serving plate. Spoon on berry mixture; sprinkle with mint leaves.
Planning Tip: Can be made, without the strawberry topping, up to 3 days ahead. Refrigerate covered. Prepare Topping just before serving.