Most cheesecakes' fat, sugar, and sodium content aren't doing anything to help you reach your goals. But if you can't resist that creamy dessert, you're not alone. Cheesecake is delicious—and there are plenty of healthy cheesecake recipes that won't sabotage your diet.
Plus, cheesecake does have a few nutritional benefits. The charming dessert contains both bone-building calcium and vision-protecting vitamin A. And it turns out that if you dig hard enough, you can find some waist-shrinking recipes that use coconut oil in place of butter and Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream. Here are some of the best cheesecake recipes out there.
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Copycat Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake
You don't need to head to the mall to get a delicious taste of The Cheesecake Factory. Our lighter copycat version is just as delicious.
Get our recipe for Copycat Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake.
Ricotta Cheesecake with Warm Blueberries
Ricotta isn't just for lasagna! It adds the perfect amount of tang to this cheesecake recipe.
Get our recipe for Ricotta Cheesecake with Warm Blueberries.
Individual Key Lime Cheesecakes
Is there anything cuter than these perfectly portioned cheesecake cups? They're the best way to mark the end of summer.
Get our recipe for Individual Key Lime Cheesecakes.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Fall—and pumpkin-spice everything—are coming sooner than you think. Get into the autumn spirit with this healthy pumpkin cheesecake recipe.
Get our recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake.
Keto Cheesecake
Cheesecake is high in fat, which makes it perfect for followers of the keto diet. This recipe is so tasty, you won't even miss the carbs.
Get our recipe for Keto Cheesecake.
Keto Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse
It doesn't have to be sliced to count as a cheesecake. This mousse is just as delicious as anything you'd find in the freezer section, and it's way healthier.
Get our recipe for Keto Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse.
Hemp Seed Matcha Vegan Cheesecake
Matcha powder has two to three times more EGCG, a potent fat-burning antioxidant, than most brewable types of green tea. The brighter green and the sweeter-smelling, the better the matcha is.
Get the recipe from Karissa's Vegan Kitchen.
Mini Cheesecake Cupcakes
If you're not a one-and-done type of person, you'll love that you can have two of these mini cupcakes without completely unraveling your diet. And don't even blink about opting for fat-free dairy. While the fat-laden stuff contains calories, it's also more filling (meaning you'll eat less). In fact, according to a 2013 study review in the European Journal of Nutrition, people who eat full-fat dairy are less likely to be obese than those who go fat-free or low-fat.
Get the recipe from Chef Savvy.
Raw Lemon Coconut Cheesecake
From helping you maintain a clear complexion to boosting immunity, the mighty lemon packs in one serious healthful punch. Any cheesecake that can give us beautiful skin, aid weight loss, and ward off disease is a rock star in our book.
Get the recipe from Swoon Food.
Blackberry Cheesecake Popsicles
Got a case of the sniffles? What better way to cure them then with a cheesecake popsicle? Blackberries are bursting with immunity-boosting vitamin C, and dessert helps lower stress levels, which compromise your immune system. We think it's a win-win.
Get the recipe from Recipes to Nourish.
Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
Strawberries are another vitamin C-rich fruit that amps up immunity and knocks out stress.
Get the recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Pancakes
You had us at cheesecake and pancakes, but red velvet, too? This recipe can't be anything short of delicious. And as long as you eat it for what it is—a dessert—it won't sabotage your body goals.
Get the recipe from Creme de la Crumb.
Mini No-Bake White Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake Tarts
These bite-sized tarts are perfect for any summer gathering. They require no baking and minimal prep. Not to mention, they're an easy way to practice portion control.
Get the recipe from The Chunky Chef.
Skinny Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
If you're looking for a healthy substitute for butter, try coconut oil. Your body prefers to burn the fats in coconut oil, as opposed to storing them.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
Cheesecake Cake Batter Dip
Dip your way to taste bud heaven with this guilt-free cheesecake dip. It's even more indulgent than a slice of cheesecake, and it won't derail your goals.
Get the recipe from Simple Joy.
Raspberry Lime Coconut Cheesecake
If you can find black raspberries, this cake just might save your life—literally. The black bullets contain more than two times the antioxidants than any other produce (or vino)! And according to a report in the journal Open Chemistry, they have three times the antioxidants as their ruby siblings.
Get the recipe from Quite Good Food.
Almond Caramel Cheesecake
Almonds are one of the most nutritious nuts, thanks to their vitamin E, flavonoids, magnesium, riboflavin, and manganese content. Not to mention, manganese supports healthy metabolisms. So if you're fighting the battle of the bulge, a slice of this cake just might help.
Get the recipe from Cocoon Cooks.
Mini Cheesecakes with Oreo Crust
There's not much healthy about Oreo cheesecake, but indulging every once in a while is part of a healthy lifestyle. Occasional "cheat meals" have been proven to boost metabolic activity and ward off feelings of deprivation. Plus, one well-deserved dessert is hardly going to make or break your diet. Just don't indulge beyond that.
Get the recipe from Yummy Healthy Easy.
Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake
Cashew-based cheesecakes, like this one, are raw and frozen. We'll say it again: There is no baking! Soaking cashews improves flavor, nutrient bioavailability, and digestion. Did we mention the cheesecake is oil-free? This one has our seal of approval and then some.
Get the recipe from Lazy Cat Kitchen.
Caramel Cheesecake-Stuffed Apples
Aside from being downright ingenious, these stuffed apples contain a whopping 8.3 grams of belly-slimming fiber. The National Fiber Council recommends daily consumption of 32 grams of fiber, but America is still consuming a highly-processed diet that is largely void of the nutrient.
Insufficient fiber intake can result in constipation, increased hunger, weight gain, high cholesterol, increased risk for heart disease, nutrient deficiencies, drowsiness, and more. Luckily for you, apples are one of the best high-fiber foods, so you can knock out nearly a third of your daily quota by eating cheesecake. You're welcome.
Get the recipe from Sugar-Free Mom.
Skinny Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Peanut butter contains a plant sterol called beta-sitosterol, which research indicates helps the stress hormone (cortisol) balance out with other hormones. So, have a slice and chill out!
Get the recipe from Amy's Healthy Baking.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
Amazing things happen when cinnamon rolls and cheesecake unite—like this cinnamon roll cheesecake that is divine. But we have to warn you that if you have more than just one slice, it's no longer "skinny."
Get the recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Coconut Banana Cheesecake
This cheesecake is made with protein-rich peanuts, fat-blasting coconut oil, fibrous banana, antioxidant-boosting maple syrup, and stress-busting chocolate chips. And we'll let you in on a little secret: 100% pure maple syrup contains inflammation-reducing polyphenol antioxidants, helping to combat inflammatory diseases like IBS, arthritis, and heart disease.
Get the recipe from Vegan Family Recipes.
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