How to Make Irresistible Cherry Lemon Cheesecake at Home

Indulge in a slice of sunshine with this Cherry Lemon Cheesecake—a creamy, tangy-sweet masterpiece that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying! Featuring bright lemon zest, juicy cherries, and a lightened-up cheesecake base, this no-bake dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, holiday feasts, or anytime you’re craving a decadent treat. It’s proof that indulgence and wellness can come together in the most delicious way. A guilt-free celebration of flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Guilt-Free Decadence: Creamy cheesecake meets vibrant citrus and cherries—without the points overload!
• No-Bake Simplicity: Ready in 20 minutes (plus chilling time).
• WW-Friendly Swaps: Light cream cheese, sugar-free toppings, and a smart crust keep points low.
• Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: Looks stunning on any dessert table.
• Customizable: Swap cherries for berries, add a chocolate drizzle, or go crustless.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (low-fat or whole-grain)
• 2 tbsp light butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar substitute

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz light cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar substitute
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 cup frozen dark cherries (thawed)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or xanthan gum for low-carb)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp sugar substitute
• Optional: Fresh lemon slices or mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Crust

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted light butter, and sugar substitute.
2. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Freeze for 10 minutes.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar substitute, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Pour over the crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for 4+ hours (or overnight).

Cook the Cherry Topping

1. In a saucepan, combine cherries, lemon juice, and sugar substitute. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water, stir into cherries, and cook until thickened (2-3 minutes). Let cool.

Assemble & Serve

1. Spread cherry topping over the chilled cheesecake.
2. Garnish with lemon slices or mint. Slice into 10 portions.

Nutritional Information

(Per slice)

• Calories: ~140
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 5g (naturally occurring from fruit)
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW SmartPoints: 4 (with sugar-free crust) or 5 (with regular graham crackers).

Tips for Success

1. Crustless Option: Skip the crust to save 2 SmartPoints per slice.
2. Vegan Twist: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt.
3. Boost Citrus: Add 1/2 tsp lemon extract for extra zing.
4. Freeze It: Slice and freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin for portion-controlled servings.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

• Light Cream Cheese & Greek Yogurt: Creamy texture without excess fat.
• Natural Sweetness: Cherries and lemon add flavor without added sugar.
• Portion Control: Pre-sliced servings prevent overindulgence.

Serving Ideas

• Summer BBQ: Pair with grilled pineapple skewers (0 points).
• Brunch Star: Serve with a zero-point fruit salad.
• Elegant Dessert: Drizzle with sugar-free chocolate syrup (+1 point).

This Cherry Lemon Cheesecake is a celebration of balance—creamy, zesty, and perfectly portioned for your wellness journey. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, it’s a dessert that proves healthy eating can be luxurious, vibrant, and utterly irresistible.