How to make a cheesecake with half the fat

Good Food Blog

What is RSS?

Posted at 12:02PM, 29 July 2011 by Casey Purkiss - Food writer

The humble cheesecake is joining other heritage desserts and experiencing somewhat of a revival at the moment as it graces the dessert menus of top end restaurants.

Combining two favourite (over) indulgences: cake and cheese, it's deceptively easy to make...

Combining two favourite (over) indulgences: cake and cheese, it's deceptively easy to make and with the help of a few elaborate swirls or inventive toppings looks every bit the pro pud.

But, as with all delicious desserts, there is of course a down side: all the cholesterol and calories lurking in that creamy filling.

Fear not; challenging the old adage that 'you can't have your cake and eat it,' Angela Nilsen has once again worked her magic and transformed the wicked New York cheesecake into an angelic dessert with half the fat.

A standard New York cheesecake weighs in at 40g of fat but with a few clever swaps and calorie-cutting tips Angela has trimmed the figure down to just 15g per slice.

Here's how she did it:

In order to reduce the fat, the base is a much thinner crust and full fat digestive biscuits were swapped for a reduced fat version.

Angela replaced the full fat soft cheese of a traditional cheesecake with a light soft cheese.

Instead of spooning in rich sour cream she used healthy fromage frais as a substitute instead.

By using only whole eggs rather than both whole eggs and yolks, Angela reduced the fat and cholesterol from the unnecessary extras.

Finally, to reduce the sugar content she cut sugar both from the base and in the filling too.

The result was a rich, velvety, traditional New York cheesecake with all the decadent flavour of the full fat version.

If you're looking for a healthier dessert for a special occasion this summer, why not join the great cheesecake revival and try Angela's guilt free version? Let us know your calorie saving swaps and tips too.

Angela's half fat New York Cheesecake recipe

More healthy makeover recipes from Angela

Comments

Belinda

31 July 2011, 5:19PM
Belinda

This cheesecake is absolutely fab! It conquers everyone I make it for (including my American friends ...) - due credit is given each time. I think this is in the top 3 of Angela's makeovers.

Flag as inappropriate

Please let us know your name and the reason you find the above comment inappropriate.

Your name: Reason:
pearlie

1 August 2011, 4:46PM
pearlie

can't seem to get the recipe to find out

Flag as inappropriate

Please let us know your name and the reason you find the above comment inappropriate.

Your name: Reason:
Good Food

9 August 2011, 11:38AM
Good Food

Nor me :(

Flag as inappropriate

Please let us know your name and the reason you find the above comment inappropriate.

Your name: Reason: