The Best Refreshing Cherry Lemon Delight Cheesecake You’ll Ever Taste

Looking for a light and refreshing dessert that still delivers on flavor? This Refreshing Cherry Lemon Delight Cheesecake is the perfect choice. With a zesty lemon flavor and a sweet cherry topping, this cheesecake is an ideal balance of tart and sweet. It’s a great way to indulge in a classic cheesecake flavor without feeling overly full or guilty afterward.

This dessert is easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making it a fantastic option for family gatherings, special occasions, or a treat to enjoy on your own. Plus, it’s no-bake, so you can whip it up quickly and chill it until it’s ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing & Light: The bright lemon flavor combined with the sweet cherries makes for a perfectly balanced, refreshing dessert.
No-Bake: Quick and easy to prepare with minimal time and effort.
Perfectly Portion-Controlled: You can easily cut into slices to control your servings without feeling overindulgent.
Elegant & Simple: A stunning dessert that’s impressive yet simple to make.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or just a casual treat, this cheesecake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed almond crackers for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar substitute (like erythritol or monk fruit)
• 3 tbsp light butter, melted
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar substitute
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp unflavored gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegetarian option)
• ¼ cup cold water

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 ½ cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or use frozen cherries, thawed)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar substitute
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

1. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar substitute, and melted butter.
2. Stir until the mixture is well-combined and crumbly.
3. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (or a pie dish) to form a uniform crust.
4. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes while preparing the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in ¼ cup cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar substitute, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest for that fresh, tangy flavor.
4. Gently heat the gelatin mixture in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then add it to the cream cheese mixture and stir until fully combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until the filling has set completely.

Make the Cherry Topping

1. In a saucepan, combine the cherries, lemon juice, sugar substitute, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens.
3. Let the cherry topping cool to room temperature before spreading it over the cheesecake.

Assemble & Serve

1. Once the cheesecake has set, carefully remove it from the springform pan.
2. Spoon the cooled cherry topping evenly over the cheesecake.
3. Slice into wedges and serve chilled for the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Based on 12 Servings)

Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 2g
SmartPoints: 5 per slice

Tips for Success

• Let the Filling Set: Ensure you let the cheesecake chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to ensure the filling is firm and holds its shape.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will give the cheesecake a bright and zesty flavor that bottled lemon juice can’t replicate.
• Topping Variations: If cherries aren’t in season, feel free to swap them out with fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fun twist.
• Make It Ahead: This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead of time for parties or gatherings.

Why This Recipe Works

• Light and Satisfying: The combination of Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese gives this cheesecake a creamy texture without the heavy calories of traditional versions.
• No-Bake Convenience: The no-bake method makes it simple and quick to prepare, requiring no oven time—perfect for hot summer days or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
• Fresh, Bright Flavors: The tangy lemon and sweet cherry topping offer a refreshing and balanced dessert experience.
• Customizable: You can swap out the topping for other fruit or even experiment with different crust options to suit your preferences.

This Refreshing Cherry Lemon Delight Cheesecake is the perfect way to enjoy a light yet satisfying dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With its creamy filling, zesty lemon, and sweet cherry topping, it’s a refreshing treat that’s sure to please your taste buds. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple indulgence, this cheesecake is guaranteed to be a hit.

Enjoy every bite of this delicious and guilt-free dessert, and feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits or toppings!