Indulge Guilt-Free: Deliciously Skinny Cheesecake Bars with Chocolate Drizzle
Craving a rich, creamy cheesecake but don’t want to derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further! These Skinny Cheesecake Bars are your answer to enjoying a decadent dessert without the guilt. Perfect for summer gatherings, after-dinner treats, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth, these bars are surprisingly light yet incredibly satisfying, topped with a luscious chocolate drizzle for that extra touch of indulgence.
Summer is synonymous with lighter meals and healthier dessert options, allowing you to feel good and stay confident in your swimsuit. But let’s be honest, the desire for a classic, velvety cheesecake never truly fades. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, prepare to fall in love with this recipe. It delivers all the delightful flavor and texture of traditional cheesecake, cleverly lightened up to fit your lifestyle.
Yes, you read that right – “skinny” and “cheesecake” in the same sentence! Our goal was to create a dessert that allows you to enjoy more than one serving without a hint of remorse. The addition of a delicate chocolate drizzle elevates these bars, making them feel utterly luxurious despite their healthier profile.
Effortless Indulgence: Your Food Processor Does All The Work!
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its incredible simplicity. Forget about hauling out your heavy stand mixer or dealing with multiple bowls and endless clean-up. This entire treat, from the crunchy crust to the silky-smooth filling, comes together with the magic of just one appliance: your food processor. This significantly slashes your prep time and leaves you with far fewer dishes to wash, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or impromptu dessert cravings.
The food processor transforms the process from a labor-intensive baking project into a quick and enjoyable culinary adventure. It efficiently combines the crust ingredients into a perfect crumbly base and then, with a quick rinse, whips the filling to a velvety consistency in minutes. This streamlined approach means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring your delicious, guilt-free creation.
The filling manages to be perfectly sweet and incredibly flavorful, even with only two tablespoons of added granulated sugar. This is largely thanks to the inclusion of ViSalus Protein Shake mix, which not only provides a lovely sweet vanilla essence but also boosts the protein content, allowing us to dramatically reduce the amount of extra sugar needed. It’s a smart swap that doesn’t compromise on taste!
The crust is another highlight of this recipe – it’s one of the easiest and healthiest crusts you’ll ever make. Combining wholesome ingredients like slivered almonds, old-fashioned oats, and shredded coconut, it offers a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. If coconut isn’t to your liking, or if you simply don’t have it on hand, feel free to adjust the quantities and use more almonds or oats to achieve the desired texture and volume. Simply combine all the crust ingredients with melted coconut oil, press firmly into your prepared pan, and then pour the luscious filling on top before baking. It truly is that straightforward!
Skinny Cheesecake Bars
Anna
📌Pin Recipe
15
28
43
Dessert
American
6
bars
285
kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 (8 oz.) package of Neufchatel cheese softened, cut up into bite-size pieces (30% less fat cream cheese)
- 6 Tbsp ViSalus protein shake mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chopped, melted (for drizzle)
Instructions
To Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8″x8″ square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and making sure your bars lift out cleanly.
- In a food processor, combine the slivered almonds, old-fashioned oats, and shredded coconut. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse flour or fine crumbs. Be careful not to overprocess, as you want to maintain some texture, not create a paste.
- With the food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the melted coconut oil. Continue to process just until the mixture starts to come together and clump, indicating that it’s moist enough to form a cohesive crust.
- Evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact it firmly. A well-pressed crust will prevent crumbling after baking. Set the pan aside.
To Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Thoroughly clean your food processor bowl (or use a separate one). Add the softened Neufchatel cheese to the food processor and process until it is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This ensures a uniform cheesecake texture.
- Turn off the food processor. Add the ViSalus protein shake mix, vanilla extract, and egg whites to the cream cheese mixture. Process again until everything is fully incorporated and smooth, which should take approximately 40 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Finally, add the almond milk and granulated sugar to the food processor. Process for another 20 seconds to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the filling is perfectly smooth and airy.
- Carefully pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the pressed crust in your baking pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles and ensure an even top.
- Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes. The cheesecake is ready when the edges are lightly browned and the center appears set, with a slight jiggle remaining when gently shaken. Do not overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking. After it has cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best texture and flavor.
- Once thoroughly chilled, lift the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate (using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between) and drizzle it artfully over the cooled cheesecake. Allow the chocolate to set slightly before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy!
- Store any leftover Skinny Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Calories:
285
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
17
g
|
Protein:
5
g
|
Fat:
22
g
|
Saturated Fat:
13
g
|
Sodium:
44
mg
|
Potassium:
212
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
9
g
|
Calcium:
42
mg
|
Iron:
1.7
mg
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Tips for Achieving Cheesecake Bar Perfection
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your Neufchatel cheese is truly softened to room temperature. This is key for a smooth, lump-free filling. Cold cream cheese will result in a clumpy batter.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the eggs/egg whites, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which can lead to cracks in your cheesecake.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: The parchment paper sling makes removing the baked and chilled bars incredibly easy. Don’t skip this step!
- Chill, Chill, Chill: Cheesecake needs ample time to set. Rushing the chilling process can result in soft, messy bars. Overnight chilling is always recommended for the best firm texture.
- Clean Slices: For perfectly neat squares, use a sharp knife that has been run under hot water and wiped clean between each cut. This prevents the chocolate drizzle from sticking and creating jagged edges.
- Chocolate Drizzle Technique: For a professional-looking drizzle, use a piping bag with a very small tip, or simply cut a tiny corner off a zip-top bag filled with melted chocolate. Drizzle back and forth over the bars in thin lines.
Creative Variations for Your Skinny Cheesecake Bars
While delicious as is, these skinny cheesecake bars are also incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with these ideas to suit your taste:
- Crust Customizations:
- Nut Swap: Instead of slivered almonds, try pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture for a warm, cozy note.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if catering to dietary restrictions.
- Filling Flavor Enhancements:
- Citrus Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon, orange, or lime zest to the filling for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Different Protein Powders: Experiment with chocolate, strawberry, or even unflavored protein powder (adjusting sugar slightly if needed) to change the base flavor.
- Extract Variations: Substitute or add almond extract, peppermint extract, or coffee extract alongside the vanilla for unique flavor combinations.
- Topping Transformations:
- Berry Bliss: Top with fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) for added freshness and a pop of color.
- Caramel Drizzle: Swap the chocolate drizzle for a light sugar-free caramel sauce.
- Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle toasted shredded coconut on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: A light sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts (almonds, pecans) adds a delightful crunch.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These skinny cheesecake bars are best served chilled. The cold enhances their firm, creamy texture and refreshing taste. For an elegant presentation, garnish with a fresh raspberry or a mint leaf on top of each bar. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of sparkling water.
Make-Ahead & Storage:
You can prepare these bars a day or two in advance, making them perfect for entertaining. Store the fully cooled and drizzled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Enjoy Guilt-Free Dessert Bliss
These Chocolate Drizzled Skinny Cheesecake Bars prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on indulgence. With their simple preparation, thoughtful ingredient choices, and incredibly satisfying flavor, they are poised to become your new favorite guilt-free dessert. Whether you’re aiming for a healthier lifestyle or simply love delicious food, these bars offer the perfect balance of richness and lightness. Dive in and experience the joy of a treat that’s both good for you and incredibly delicious!