The Secret To Delicious 87 Calorie Cheesecake

Cute idea with the Nilla wafers! Sometimes when I'm in a dessert mood and it's only breakfast time, I mix cottage cheese, vanilla, honey, and a dash of lemon juice - tastes kind of like the filling but without baking/etc. Yours sounds like a real (mini) dessert!

Laura

Dear Snackgirl,

So far I have loved your ideas. But seriously your cheesecake recipe did not have to have nilla wafers in it!! You of all people know what kind of stuff must be in those things. Am I wrong? Was there no healthier alternative? Or maybe possibly how about a crustless cheesecake? I am just saying. I love the blog and love your ideas. Cheers!

Cancan

I often have my Wine Tasting hosts make a recipe similar to this when pairing with dessert wines. This way, they don't have to break the bank with an expensive cheese cake and the portion sizes are just enough for a taste to go with the wine. Can't wait to try your version!

Carrie @ Season It Already!

If you're concerned about the lack of health value in store bought vanilla wafers (or the possibility of say, MSG in the natural flavor), you can make them at home.

Alton Brown (king of cooking nerds) has a recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/vanilla-wafe…

Crysta

I would try graham crackers, crushed for the crust instead of wafers.

Julie

I love individual cheesecakes, that are healthy! I make them all of the time. I never thought of using cottage cheese, I normally use yogurt! Wonderful recipe!

Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers

That was really interesting and innovative recipe. Thanks for sharing. Awesome recipe!!!

Minnie(@thelady8home)

I think this recipe sounds great and I will be making it soon. Thank you!

If you put cottage cheese in a blender, it changes the texture to something very similar to sour cream and that can also be useful in recipies.

Marlene

Yum! I love cheesecake.

Anne

I love cheesecake! But its a trigger for me. I found I can make the Jello cheesecake sugarfree pudding add some fruit and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs and it helps my craving.

Dana

This sounds like a yummy recipe, I have never heard of the cheese you are using but will have to look into it. Thanks for sharing

Shirley@motivatedmommyoftwo

Again -- it's disturbing to see a post that looks to "low fat" as a winning ideal. Healthy fats are an extremely vital part of a healthy diet. I understand that we're talking about a dessert here (not anything daily) but to make a healthier version, let's begin with healthier whole foods and not look to lowering the fat content as if that is a solution. Of course Nilla wafers aren't ideal either, but that's another story. I do appreciate your shared journey. I've seen a drastic change in the type of foods you're eating/trying in the past year or so. I always value your willingness to try and reinvent the (snack) wheel!

Sue Ingebretson

Love the idea except for nilla wafers. Currently pregnant for the 2nd & final time. I only crave cheesecake when with child. I am very overweight & struggle w/ gestational diabetes. Nothing is harder for me than eating just right when I'm low on energy & "high" on cravings. Cottage cheese is a nutritional staple for me in these times. Thank you!

kay

Nilla wafers aside, I say kudos to you for making a low-cal treat that isn't made with artificial flavors and sweeteners. Neufchatel is naturally lower in fat that cream cheese, it's not been engineered so and cottage cheese is wholesome and full of protein. I'm going to make this...but maybe try it with a whole grain graham cracker instead of buying the wafers

Katie at Mom's Kitchen Handbook

I will definitely try this when I get home from vacation. It sounds like a fun treat to make. I wonder - can they be frozen?

Donn

Funny how people dont figure out substitutions on their own. This is a great idea. I have seen it before with lowfat nilla wafers, but sadly :-) these are a trigger food for me, and I could not stop at 1. The toppings are endless....strawberries, blueberries,mango....

Maggie

That's why it's a treat! I will use the low fat Nilla wafers. I'm in pretty good control and losing, and have had no problem with them; I can't say the same of all foods, though.

Donna

I made the little cheesecakes last evening. Very enjoyable.

sonia

Thanks Snack-Girl, now I know what I'll be taking to my book group this weekend; a great alternative to the rich and tempting desserts that another member brings!

Robin

Looks interesting, but thankfully I don't really have a sweet tooth. My favorite food is butter mixed with other stuff, preferably with cheese and salt in the mix. I try to substitute nonfat yogurt cheese for cream cheese in dips and spreads. Not sure how it would stand up to cooking, but it can replace or reduce sour cram and/or cream cheese in anything cold.

BCombs

This! i can't wait to try it! i have yet to master cheesecake and this looks simple (yet satisfying) enough for me to handle. thanks!

sarah

I made these and they are delicious! I love cheesecake and it is great to have a lighter recipe with portion control built in.

Shannon

What size cupcake pan? Sounds great!!

Lulie Felder

Thank you for sharing this recipe! The hubby always has his friends over and I made these last weekend and all of the guys told me they were awesome! Then I told them they were low cal, they didn't believe me :)

Mollie

do you use the regular size cupcake liners I am confused because they are called mini

janet kittridge

Will try it.

Carolyn

i make this in 9in glass pie dish and freeze the slices. it holds up very well. use grahms for crust - no sugar but a few tblsp of smart balance melted and add a squeeze of lemon and a dollop or two of of sour cream - put all in processor and pour in crust. ill have to look up baking time. it is yummy and easy!

rebecca