Cherry-Berry Low-fat Fake Cheesecake

Cherry-Berry Low-fat Fake Cheesecake Recipe with Double-rich Vanilla Pudding

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

This Cherry-Berry Low-fat Fake Cheesecake recipe is a delicious and guilt-free dessert option for those looking to indulge without the added calories. With a combination of cherry gelatin, cranberry sauce, sour cherries, and a rich vanilla pudding layer, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

This recipe was created as a healthier alternative to traditional cheesecake recipes that are high in fat and calories. By using low-fat ingredients and incorporating fruit flavors, this Cherry-Berry Fake Cheesecake provides a lighter option for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt.

Ingredients

6 oz (170 g) package of cherry flavored gelatin (or two 3 oz (85 g) packages)
1 lb (454 g) can of whole cranberry sauce
1 can of sour cherries
1 recipe of Double-rich vanilla Pudding
1 packet of unflavored gelatin
1 rounded teaspoon of corn starch
0.5 cup of fat free sour cream
0.25 tsp of almond extract
1.75 cups of water, divided

How to prepare

Bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil. Add cherry gelatin and stir until dissolved.
Add cranberry sauce and stir to break up and dissolve the sauce.
Stir until all the jelled cranberry has melted and only the cranberries remain whole.
Drain the cherry juice into a bowl, using a non-metallic colander.
Press the cherries with your fingers to further drain the juice and break up the cherries into small pieces. When cherries are completely drained, add them to the gelatin/cranberry combination.
Pour the cherry juice into a two-cup measuring cup.
Add enough ice cubes (or water) to make almost but not quite 2 cups.
Add the mixture to the cherry-berry mix, stirring until the ice cubes are entirely melted.
Pour the mixture into a 3 qt (2.84 liter) casserole or other dish. Chill until the gelatin is set.
Put 0.25 cup of water into a glass bowl or measuring cup.
Add the unflavored gelatin and let it set for two or three minutes to soften.
Place it in the microwave for 30 seconds to melt, or heat it in a small pan over medium-low heat.
Make the vanilla pudding according to the instructions, but add an extra rounded teaspoon of cornstarch. (If you don't use egg yolks, use two teaspoons of extra cornstarch instead of one.)
At the end, mix in the extra 0.5 cup of fat-free sour cream, the melted unflavored gelatin, plus 0.25 tsp of almond extract and remove from heat.
Allow the pudding to cool to barely warm, stirring from time to time so a skin doesn't form.
Pour it gently on top of the cherry-berry gelatin mixture.
Chill thoroughly for several hours until firm, preferably overnight.

Variations

Substitute the sour cherries with fresh or frozen berries for a different flavor profile.
Use a different flavor of gelatin, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a unique twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the cherry juice thoroughly to prevent the gelatin mixture from becoming too watery.

- Allow the pudding layer to cool slightly before pouring it over the cherry-berry gelatin mixture to prevent the layers from mixing together.

- Chill the cheesecake for several hours or overnight to ensure that it sets properly and has the right consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cherry-Berry Fake Cheesecake chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added flavor. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when preparing the gelatin and pudding layers to ensure that they set properly.

- Use a non-metallic colander when draining the cherry juice to prevent any metallic taste from transferring to the dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add a bit of sugar or honey to the cherry-berry mixture.

- For a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based sour cream substitute in place of the regular sour cream.

Make Ahead Tips

This Cherry-Berry Fake Cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any odors from transferring to the dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Cherry-Berry Fake Cheesecake with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative touch. Serve it in individual dessert cups for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a glass of sparkling water or a light white wine, such as a Riesling or Moscato. The fruity flavors of the cheesecake complement the crispness of the wine for a delightful combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cherry-Berry Fake Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 22g

Fats

- Total Fat: 1g

- Saturated Fat: 0.5g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 2%

Alergens

Contains dairy (sour cream)

Summary

This Cherry-Berry Low-fat Fake Cheesecake is a low-calorie dessert option that is rich in carbohydrates and low in fats. It provides a small amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthier choice for those looking to satisfy their sweet cravings.

Summary

This Cherry-Berry Low-fat Fake Cheesecake is a delicious and guilt-free dessert option that is perfect for those looking to indulge without the added calories. With a combination of cherry gelatin, cranberry sauce, sour cherries, and a rich vanilla pudding layer, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a healthier alternative to traditional cheesecake recipes.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It all started one sunny afternoon when I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage by the lake. Martha was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new recipes and creating delicious dishes that left me in awe.

On this particular day, Martha had a twinkle in her eye as she led me into her cozy kitchen. She pulled out a worn recipe card from her recipe box and exclaimed, "I have something special to share with you today, my dear." Intrigued, I leaned in closer as she began to tell me the tale of her Cherry-Berry Low-fat Fake Cheesecake.

Martha explained that she had stumbled upon the recipe many years ago while browsing through a dusty old cookbook at a yard sale. The recipe caught her eye because it promised all the decadence of a traditional cheesecake without the guilt of all the calories. Being a lover of desserts, I was instantly intrigued and pleaded with Martha to share the recipe with me.

With a mischievous grin, Martha handed me the recipe card and instructed me to pay close attention as she walked me through the steps of creating this delectable dessert. The ingredients were simple yet unexpected - low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, graham cracker crumbs, and a medley of fresh cherries and berries. As Martha guided me through the process of mixing and layering the ingredients, I marveled at her expertise and the care she put into each step.

Once the cheesecake was assembled and chilling in the fridge, Martha and I eagerly awaited the moment of truth. As we sliced into the creamy, fruity dessert and took our first bite, we both knew we had stumbled upon something truly special. The combination of the tangy cream cheese, the sweet berries, and the crunchy graham cracker crust was a revelation.

From that day on, the Cherry-Berry Low-fat Fake Cheesecake became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I took pride in sharing Martha's creation with others, knowing that it brought joy and satisfaction to all who tasted it.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch with a hint of lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon. But the essence of Martha's original creation remains intact, a constant reminder of the bond we shared and the love we put into our culinary creations.

As I sit here now, with a slice of Cherry-Berry Low-fat Fake Cheesecake in front of me, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The laughter shared in Martha's kitchen, the joy of discovering a new favorite dessert, and the warmth of friendship that transcends time and distance.

So here's to Martha, the culinary genius behind the Cherry-Berry Low-fat Fake Cheesecake, and to the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories. I will always cherish the day I learned this recipe, and I will continue to share it with others, passing on the tradition of delicious and guilt-free desserts for generations to come.