Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

These Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that you can enjoy without any guilt. Perfect for parties, picnics, or as a sweet reward after a long day, these bars combine creamy cheesecake with the tartness of fresh raspberries. Made with Greek yogurt and cream cheese, they are lower in calories but high in flavor, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This recipe only takes about 15 minutes of prep time, making it an easy go-to dessert.
Healthier Ingredients: With Greek yogurt and light cream cheese, you can indulge without the heavy calories.
Versatile Flavor: The balance of tangy raspberries and creamy cheesecake makes this dessert appealing to everyone.
Customizable: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your dietary needs or preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are great for birthdays, gatherings, or just a delicious snack at home.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
Brownie pan
Parchment paper
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk or electric hand mixer

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: This tool quickly combines the crust ingredients, saving you time and effort.
Brownie pan: A must-have for shaping your cheesecake bars evenly.
Whisk or electric hand mixer: Ensures all ingredients blend smoothly without lumps for a creamy texture.

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 Crust

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)
1 tbsp milk

For the Cheesecake Filling

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 extract
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 step is crucial as it ensures even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Add the biscuits and soy protein crisps (if using) into a food processor.
Blend for 10-30 seconds until finely crushed.
Pour in melted butter and mix until a slightly sticky crumble forms.
Transfer this mixture into a brownie pan lined with parchment paper.
Use the back of a spoon or your hands to pat down the crust evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool before adding the filling.

Step 4: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, add all cheesecake filling ingredients: light cream cheese, yogurt, eggs, sweetener, protein powder, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest.
Whisk by hand or use an electric hand mixer until well combined without any clumps.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Scatter a handful of raspberries over the cooled crust.
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over them.
Add more raspberries on top before pouring the remaining batter.
Sprinkle extra raspberries on top if desired.

Step 6: Bake Again

Optionally, place your brownie pan into a larger baking dish filled with hot water up to an inch high around its sides. Bake for another 30-40 minutes depending on your desired firmness.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

After baking, allow your cheesecake bars to cool slightly at room temperature before refrigerating for at least five hours. Once chilled, cut into 12 equal slices and enjoy your delicious Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars!

How to Serve Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

These Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars make for a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served as a standalone treat or alongside other dishes, they are sure to impress.

Individual Portions

Serve each bar on its own with a sprig of mint for added freshness.

With Whipped Topping

Add a dollop of light whipped topping made from coconut cream for a creamy finish and extra indulgence.

Garnished with Fresh Raspberries

Top each bar with fresh raspberries to enhance flavor and presentation. This adds a vibrant color and additional tartness.

Accompanied by a Fruit Salad

Pair the bars with a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. Choose seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the cheesecake bars before serving.

How to Perfect Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

To ensure your Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring cream cheese and yogurt to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
Don’t Over-Mix: Mix just until combined to prevent incorporating too much air; this keeps the bars dense and rich.
Check for Doneness: Bake until set but slightly jiggly in the center; this will give you the perfect creamy texture once cooled.
Cool Gradually: Allow your bars to cool slightly at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps maintain their shape without cracking.
Slice Cleanly: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts, ensuring each slice looks neat and appealing.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Complement your Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars with these delicious side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.

Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the cheesecake.
Chilled Fruit Soup: A refreshing chilled fruit soup made from blended berries provides a light contrast to the dessert’s creaminess.
Coconut Chia Pudding: This creamy pudding pairs well with the raspberry flavors while adding an extra dose of healthy fats and fiber.
Grilled Peaches: Sweet grilled peaches add warmth and caramelization, making them a delightful accompaniment to the cold cheesecake bars.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a parfait that mirrors the flavors of the cheesecake but in a lighter form.
Dark Chocolate Bark: A simple homemade dark chocolate bark sprinkled with nuts or seeds can offer an indulgent crunch alongside the soft bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars can be simple, but small mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Using the wrong sweetener: Not all sweeteners behave the same way in recipes. Choose a granulated zero-calorie sweetener or your favorite alternative to ensure the right sweetness and texture.
Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the bars to cool before refrigerating is crucial. This helps set the cheesecake properly, preventing it from being too soft when sliced.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can introduce air bubbles, making your bars less dense. Mix just until combined for a smooth texture.
Not using parchment paper: Skipping this step can cause sticking. Always line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once they are set.
Ignoring baking time variations: Ovens can vary significantly. Keep an eye on your cheesecake bars around the 30-minute mark for creaminess or bake longer if you prefer a firmer texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 5 days.

Freezing Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Oven: Preheat to 160°C (320°F), warm for about 10 minutes until slightly softened.
Microwave: Heat on low power in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars.

Can I use other fruits?

Yes! You can substitute raspberries with other berries such as blueberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile.

How do I make these bars dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt alternatives to create a delicious dairy-free version of Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars.

How long do these cheesecake bars need to chill?

These bars should chill in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours after baking to achieve the best texture.

What is the best way to cut these bars?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.

Final Thoughts

These Healthy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. They offer a lighter take on traditional cheesecake while remaining indulgent and satisfying. Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits or toppings. Try them today and enjoy a guilt-free dessert!