No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Recipe
Zesty, creamy, and topped with juicy berries, this lemon cheesecake is a refreshing treat for any time. It's perfect if you’re looking for a dessert that caters to friends or family members managing their sugar intake. When I recently had a gathering that included a friend with diabetes, I wanted to create something indulgent yet light and suitable for everyone. This no-bake lemon cheesecake turned out to be the perfect solution. The Greek yogurt and cream cheese provide a creamy base, while the almond flour crust is low-carb, making it a great alternative to traditional cheesecake. Topping it off with fresh berries adds a pop of color and sweetness without spiking blood sugar. It was a hit with everyone, and the best part was how simple it was to make ahead, allowing me to focus on the rest of the meal!
Did You Know?
Did you know that Greek yogurt is a versatile ingredient that adds creaminess and a protein boost to recipes like No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake? It's lower in lactose and carbohydrates compared to regular yogurt, making it a great choice for those managing their sugar intake. Plus, the natural probiotics in Greek yogurt support digestive health while keeping the dessert light and refreshing.
Ingredients (Makes 8 servings):
1 cup almond flour
4 tablespoons melted coconut oil
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup maple syrup (or sugar-free alternative)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
(or substitute 1/2 cup portions of whatever fresh berries you like)
Instructions:
Prepare Crust: In a bowl, mix almond flour and melted coconut oil. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
Personal Tip: Use the back of a spoon to press the crust down evenly for a smooth base.
Make Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Personal Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
Assemble: Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan and spread it evenly.
Personal Tip: Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles in the filling.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the cheesecake is set.
Personal Tip: Chilling overnight allows the flavors to fully develop.
Serve: Top with fresh berries before serving. Slice and serve chilled.
Personal Tip: For a pop of color and tang, add a sprinkle of lemon zest over the top just before serving.
Nutrition Info Per Serving (per slice):
Calories: 250 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fiber: 10g | Net Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 50mg | Sugars: 12g | Glycemic Index: Low
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Buy Berries in Season: Save money by purchasing fresh berries when they're in season and freeze extras for future cheesecakes or smoothies.
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Make Your Own Almond Flour: Instead of buying almond flour, make your own by grinding almonds in a food processor—cheaper and fresher.
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Use Sugar Substitutes: Opt for sugar-free alternatives like stevia or erythritol instead of maple syrup to cut down on carbs and calories without sacrificing sweetness.
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Grow Your Own Lemon Tree: If you have space and sunlight, consider growing a lemon tree for fresh lemon juice and zest—a cost-effective way to enhance flavor.
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Bulk Buying Cream Cheese: Purchase cream cheese in larger quantities when on sale and freeze portions for future recipes like cheesecake.
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Make Double Crusts: When preparing the crust, double the recipe and freeze half for later use. It saves time and ensures you always have a crust ready.
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Use Coupons and Cashback Offers: Look for coupons or cashback offers on ingredients like cream cheese or coconut oil to save on your grocery bill.
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Shop Sales for Kitchen Tools: Wait for sales or use coupons when buying kitchen tools like springform pans to reduce costs on specialty items.
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Repurpose Leftovers: Use leftover lemon zest to flavor other dishes or desserts, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor.
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DIY Decorations: Decorate your cheesecake with fresh berries from local markets or pick-your-own farms—they're often cheaper and tastier than store-bought options.
Let’s Talk A Little Bit About Almond Flour
Almond flour is a fantastic alternative to traditional wheat flour, especially for those following gluten-free or low-carb diets. Made from finely ground almonds, this flour is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. One of the greatest advantages of almond flour is its low glycemic index, which means it has less impact on blood sugar levels compared to regular flour. This makes it a popular choice for people managing diabetes or those who want to reduce their carbohydrate intake. Almond flour also provides essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium, contributing to heart health and overall well-being.
When shopping for almond flour, it’s important to look for "blanched almond flour," which means the skins of the almonds have been removed, resulting in a finer texture. You can also make your own at home by grinding almonds in a food processor—just be careful not to over-process them, as you could end up with almond butter! Using almond flour in baking provides a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with ingredients like lemon, chocolate, and berries, making it a versatile option for your pantry.