Indulge in Sweet Bliss with Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
Are you ready to indulge in a delicious dessert without the guilt? Look no further than my dulce de leche cheesecake lightened up recipe. As a chef specializing in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I have found a way to bring these two worlds together in one creamy and flavorful cheesecake.
Many cheesecakes are packed with heavy ingredients that can leave you feeling weighed down and sluggish. But fear not, because my lightened up recipe has all the same creamy smoothness of a traditional cheesecake, without all the added calories.
The secret ingredient in this recipe is reduced-fat cream cheese, which gives the same delicious dulce de leche swirl as a regular cream cheese would, but with fewer calories. By using Splenda sugar substitute instead of regular sugar and graham crackers for the crust instead of buttery shortbread, we cut even more calories and carbs so that you can enjoy flawlessly creamy and smooth dulce de leche cheesecake without any guilt.
Whether you are looking for a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner or an indulgent dessert for a special occasion, my dulce de leche cheesecake lightened up recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your healthy eating habits. So preheat your oven and get ready to bake dulce de leche cheesecake with me!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving a slice of decadent cheesecake but want to watch your waistline? Look no further than this lightened up Dulce De Leche Cheesecake recipe! This delicious dessert offers all the creamy, smooth dulce de leche flavor you know and love, but with reduced-fat ingredients and Splenda sugar substitute to make it guilt-free.
Not only is this cheesecake recipe lightened up in terms of fat and sugar, but it is also incredibly easy to make. With only a few simple steps and ingredients, this cheesecake is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Plus, it’s a hit among all ages – from kids to grandparents.
When you take a bite of this cheesecake, you won’t even believe it’s a lightened-up recipe. The texture is flawlessly creamy and smooth, while the dulce de leche swirl adds an extra layer of indulgence. And don’t forget to sprinkle some sea salt on top for the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
But the best part about this recipe is that it’s versatile – you can easily add or substitute ingredients to cater to your personal taste preferences. Feeling adventurous? Try making it into bars, adding white chocolate or toffee shards as toppings, or even experimenting with a keto version using condensed milk.
Trust me, once you try this Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Lightened Up Recipe, you’ll be hooked. So why wait any longer? Grab your apron and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece that is sure to impress your family and friends alike!
Ingredient List
Let’s begin by gathering all the ingredients we’ll need for this dulce de leche cheesecake lightened up recipe. With some creative swaps and modifications, we’re able to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing on taste. You’ll need:
- Butter: 2 tbsp, melted
- Graham crackers: 1 1/2 cups, finely ground
- Splenda sugar substitute: 1/2 cup
- Reduced-fat cream cheese: 24 oz, at room temperature
- Reduced-fat milk: 2 cups
- Eggs: 3 large, at room temperature
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tbsp
- Dulce de leche: 1 cup, plus extra for swirling
- Sour cream: 2/3 cup, at room temperature
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
You’ll also need a springform pan (9 inches), an electric mixer, and a baking pan with some water to create a waterbath.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the creamy world of baking a Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Lightened Up Recipe. Follow these steps to get the most delicious and guilt-free cheesecake ever.
Prepare the Crust
To prepare the crust, you need 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup Splenda sugar substitute, and 6 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar substitute in a medium bowl.
- Add the melted butter and mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until it begins to brown.
- Set aside the baking pan and reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
For the cheesecake filling, you will need:
- 3 (8 oz) packages of reduced-fat cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 cup Splenda sugar substitute
- 2 cups reduced-fat milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- â…” cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ cup dulce de leche
Now let’s move on to making our dulce de leche cheesecake lightened up filling:
- Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add Splenda sugar substitute while continuing to beat using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until well combined.
- Gradually add milk and vanilla extract while continuously mixing with a whisk.
- Sift in all-purpose flour, baking powder until well combined with your mixture.
- Finally, add dulce de leche and mix well.
Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour cheesecake filling into the baking pan with the prepared crust.
- Drop quarter-sized dots of dulce de leche on top of cheesecake mixture in a random pattern.
- Swirl the dots to make a marbled effect using a toothpick or skewer.
- Bake for about 55-60 minutes, or until cheesecake is firm but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool down for 10 minutes in the pan.
- Run a knife around the edges of cheesecake to avoid sticking to sides.
- Let it cool completely to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cheesecake Serving Suggestions
Once you’re ready to serve, you can top your cheesecake with any toppings you’d like! I love to add some whipped cream and sprinkle some sea salt on top of mine for an extra fancy look and taste.
And did I mention this recipe
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t feel limited by the ingredient list – this recipe is perfect for substitutions and variations!
If you’re looking for a keto-friendly option, try using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and Swerve instead of Splenda sugar substitute. You can also make it into individual cheesecake bars to control portion sizes.
If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake, swap the Splenda with regular granulated sugar. If you want a more flavorful twist, add white chocolate chips to the batter or use a gingersnap crust instead of graham crackers.
For a decadent dessert, swirl in some melted chocolate and top with homemade toffee shards. Or take inspiration from Pati Jinich’s tres leches cake and drizzle condensed milk on top of the cheesecake after baking.
Whatever variation you choose, this cheesecake will always be deliciously creamy and highlighted by the delicious dulce de leche flavor.
Serving and Pairing
Serving and pairing the Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Lightened Up Recipe is a truly delightful experience. If you’re looking for an indulgent dessert, this cheesecake is the perfect choice to end a memorable meal.
To serve it, simply remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a cake stand or serving platter. Subsequently, cut it into 8 to 10 slices. Its creamy texture and caramel flavor are so inviting that you may want to enjoy it right away! But first, sprinkle sea salt over the cheesecake for that deliciously balanced hint of savoury on top of sweet.
As for the pairing, a scrumptious dessert like this deserves nothing less than a perfect beverage accompaniment that will elevate its deliciousness even more. And in this case, nothing pairs better with dulce de leche cheesecake than a warm cup of coffee or espresso, either black or with cream, serving as its ideal match without competing with its flavors.
And if you’re looking for something more boozy but still elegant, you could go for a complementary white port, which balances out the sweetness perfectly. The wine’s caramel tastes perfectly complement the dulce de leche flavors without overwhelming them. Or you can opt for some bubbly champagne or sparkling wine to make your night even more special.
This Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Lightened Up Recipe is a luxurious and effortless dessert that you can easily make at home and serve to impress your family and friends. Enjoy flawlessly creamy smooth dulce de leche cheesecake sprinkle with sea salt in every slice with your chosen beverage pairings and empower your taste buds with every bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Planning ahead is key for serving the best version of this Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Lightened Up Recipe. This recipe calls for refrigeration, which means it’s a dessert that can be prepared in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Make-Ahead:
The cheesecake can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to three days before you’re ready to serve it. The flavors actually get better with time as they have an opportunity to blend and develop complexity. It’s a perfect dessert option for entertaining guests or special occasions.
Storing:
If you happen to have any leftovers from your delicious Dulce De Leche Cheesecake, be sure to store them properly. The cheesecake should be covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. Do not freeze the cake as the delicate texture may not hold up well in the freezer.
Reheating:
When reheating leftovers, take care not to overheat them as this can cause the cheesecake to dry out or become too tough. You do not need to reheat it fully, either! 5-10 seconds on high in the microwave is enough to bring it back to room temperature.
To enjoy flawlessly creamy smooth Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Lightened Up that melts in your mouth, follow these make-ahead and storing suggestions. Just focus on savoring every bite of this creamy dulce de leche swirl cheesecake recipe!
Tips for Perfect Results
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Lightened Up Recipe is a sophisticated and elegant dish that requires attention to detail to ensure a creamy smooth texture and a rich dulce de leche flavor. Here are some tips to guarantee that you enjoy flawlessly creamy, smooth dulce de leche cheesecake every time.
1. Room temperature ingredients are key
Make sure all your ingredients, including cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you begin baking. Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily, creating a smoother batter without lumps.
2. Patience is crucial when baking
The cheesecake needs to bake long enough to set properly but not too long as it can become overcooked and dry. Therefore, maintain a low heat while baking, usually from 325-350°F or follow the recipe instructions.
3. Bake the Dulce de Leche separately
Bake the dulce de leche in a separate baking pan for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened and lightly browned. The result will be creamy dulce de leche ready for swirling into the cheesecake mixture.
4. Mix the ingredients in the proper order
Mixing ingredients such as eggs too vigorously can cause cracks in the finished cheesecake. So, beat the cream cheese and sugar first until fluffy followed by adding eggs one at a time.
5. Add Dulce De Leche swirl at the right time
Pour two-thirds of the cheesecake mixture into the springform pan prepared with graham cracker crust before swirling in dulce de leche evenly throughout the batter using a toothpick or knife. Once this task is complete, add the remaining third of cheesecake mixture on top.
6. Don’t overmix or underbeat
Mixing ensures all ingredients combine well without causing cracks in your cheesecake when baked. Mix well according to instructions but avoid overmixing or underbeating, which can cause a lumpy texture.
By following these tips, you will have dulce de leche cheesecake that is flawlessly creamy, smooth, and rich. Remember that patience, attention to detail, and using quality ingredients are the foundational keys to success when baking any dessert.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this lightened up Dulce De Leche Cheesecake recipe is a perfect treat for those who want to enjoy flawlessly creamy and smooth dulce de leche cheesecake with fewer calories. The use of reduced-fat milk, Splenda sugar substitute, reduced-fat cream cheese, and butter make it a guilt-free indulgence. You can add your own variations or substitute some of the ingredients to suit your taste buds.
This delicious Dulce De Leche Cheesecake sprinkle with sea salt is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or want to surprise your family with a delightful dessert, this cheesecake is sure to impress. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to prepare even for novice cooks who are looking to improve their culinary skills.
Additionally, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to two months. However, make sure not to use store-bought caramel topping for this recipe as it will affect its texture and flavor.
In summary, if you are craving something sweet and indulgent but want to keep things low-calorie, try out this Dulce De Leche Cheesecake lightened up recipe. It’s the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and caramel goodness!
Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Lightened Up Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker, crumbs*
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Filling
- 3 (8 ounce) packages reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup Splenda sugar substitute, Granulated
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup reduced-fat milk
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche, Nestle La Lechera**
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Mix crust ingredients together, and press into a 9-inch springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.
- Reset oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
- Beat cream cheese, SPLENDA® and flour together until well mixed and smooth.
- Add vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix until smooth.
- Add milk and mix until well blended.
- Measure 1/2 cup of the cheesecake batter and pour into a small bowl. Add Dulce de Leche and stir until well combined.
- Pour plain batter over crust.
- Top with Dulce de Leche batter by placing rounded spoonfuls over the cheesecake batter and gently swirl into plain batter with the tip of knife or spatula.
- Bake 45-55 minutes or until center is almost set.
- Remove from oven and gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cheesecake (this helps prevent cracking). Let cool 20-25 minutes before covering and placing in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate 4- 6 hours or overnight before serving.
- *Graham cracker crumbs can be replaced with crushed vanilla wafers.
- **Other brands may be used. This is the most commonly available brand.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.