Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake: A Must-Try Recipe for Special Occasions

Looking for a delicious and indulgent dessert that won’t break your Weight Watchers points? The Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect choice! This decadent dessert combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries and the irresistible taste of chocolate. Best of all, it’s lightened up so you can indulge without the guilt!

Whether you’re hosting a special event, celebrating a holiday, or just craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to impress. It’s also simple to make and can be customized to fit your dietary preferences. Let’s dive into how to make this amazing cheesecake!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Crust:

• 1/2 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs (or regular graham cracker crumbs for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 2 tbsp light butter, melted
• 1 tbsp honey (for sweetness)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 1 package (8 oz) fat-free cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar or sugar substitute (like Stevia or Monk Fruit)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (instant)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup fat-free whipped topping (for a light texture)
• 1 egg (or egg substitute)
• Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, based on sweetness preference)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (to bring out the natural sweetness)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional for extra flavor)

For Garnishing:

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)
• Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for a decorative touch

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, melted butter, and honey. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated and slightly moistened.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, forming a solid, even crust.
4. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened fat-free cream cheese, non-fat Greek yogurt, and brown sugar (or sugar substitute) until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until fully incorporated.
3. Beat in the egg (or egg substitute) until the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled chocolate crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake the cheesecake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. The edges should be firm and slightly browned.
6. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely inside the oven with the door ajar. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.

3. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

1. While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the strawberry topping. Combine the sliced strawberries, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
2. Toss gently to coat the strawberries with the sweet syrup. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the strawberries to release their juices.

4. Assemble the Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake:

1. Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, top it with the strawberry mixture. Spread the strawberries evenly over the cheesecake, allowing some of the juices to drip down into the filling.
2. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of color.
3. For a decorative touch, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the strawberries.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

1. Slice the cheesecake into 12 servings, and serve chilled.
2. Enjoy this rich and fruity dessert with family and friends, or treat yourself to a special treat any time of the week!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes 12 Servings)

• Calories: 170
• WW Points: 5 points (per serving)
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake:

1. Decadent & Guilt-Free: This cheesecake offers all the rich flavors of a traditional dessert, but it’s lightened up with healthier ingredients like fat-free cream cheese and Greek yogurt, making it a perfect treat for those on Weight Watchers.
2. Chocolate & Strawberry Perfection: The combination of rich chocolate and sweet, juicy strawberries is a classic flavor pairing that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness by using sugar substitutes or honey, and you can add other fruits or toppings like nuts or whipped cream to suit your tastes.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special celebration or a simple dessert after dinner, this cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Tips for Success:

• Chill for Best Results: The cheesecake needs to chill for at least 2 hours to fully set and allow the flavors to develop. Overnight chilling is even better for the perfect texture.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries work best for the topping, but if they’re out of season, feel free to swap in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.
• Add More Texture: If you love a bit of crunch, consider adding crushed nuts (like almonds or walnuts) to the crust or sprinkling them on top of the cheesecake.
• Make It Dairy-Free: You can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version of this cheesecake. For the whipped topping, coconut cream works great!

Variations:

• Chocolate Lovers: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top of the strawberries or swirl some chocolate sauce into the cheesecake filling before baking.
• Nutty Crust: For a slightly different flavor and texture, you can swap some of the graham cracker crumbs in the crust for finely ground nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
• Berry Medley: Feel free to use a mix of berries—blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries all work wonderfully with the chocolate and strawberry flavors.

Pairings:

This Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake pairs perfectly with:

• A cup of coffee or espresso for a delicious after-dinner treat.
• A refreshing glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
• A light salad or grilled vegetables if you’re serving this as part of a larger meal.

The Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a perfect way to indulge in a rich, creamy dessert while keeping your points in check. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and satisfying in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it for a special occasion, this cheesecake will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Ready to try it? Let me know how it turns out or if you need more healthy dessert ideas!