🍒 Light & Lovely Cherry Cheesecake Jars (WW-Friendly)
Looking for a delicious dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without blowing your SmartPoints budget? These Cherry Cheesecake Jars are the perfect blend of creamy indulgence and smart portion control. With a lighter take on classic cheesecake and a naturally sweet cherry topping, these single-serve jars are perfect for parties, picnics, or a weekday treat you can prep ahead.
🕒 Prep & Bake Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Chill Time: 4+ hours or overnight
Total Time: About 45 minutes + chill
🍴 Ingredients
For the Lightened Graham Cracker Crust:
1 cup light graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp light butter, melted (or butter substitute)
1 tbsp zero-calorie sweetener (like monk fruit or stevia)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
2 (8 oz) blocks reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel works great)
½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
½ cup zero-calorie sweetener
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch (gluten-free option)
For the Cherry Topping:
2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, halved and pitted
2 tbsp zero-calorie sweetener (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
¼ cup water
Optional Garnish:
Light or fat-free whipped topping
Fresh mint leaves
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted light butter, and sweetener. Stir until crumbly and well combined. Press a tablespoon of crust into the bottom of each small jar or ramekin. Set aside. - Preheat the Oven:
Set oven to 325°F (163°C). - Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy.
Mix in eggs, one at a time. Finally, stir in the flour or cornstarch. - Assemble & Bake:
Spoon the cheesecake mixture over each crust, filling the jars about ¾ full. Place jars on a baking tray and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are set and centers slightly jiggle.
Let cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Make the Cherry Topping:
In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sweetener, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens and cherries soften (about 5–6 minutes). Let cool completely. - Top & Chill Again (Optional):
Spoon cherry topping over each cooled cheesecake jar. Cover and chill until ready to serve. - Garnish & Enjoy:
Top with a swirl of light whipped topping and a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in!
🍰 WW-Friendly Tips
SmartPoints (per jar): Approx. 4–6 points, depending on the specific brands and portion size
Use fat-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt to cut down on points further
Try a crustless version for an ultra-light cheesecake option
Use a sugar-free cherry pie filling if you’re short on time
🧁 Serving Ideas
Serve in mini mason jars, clear glasses, or reusable dessert cups
Great for baby showers, holiday dessert tables, or portion-controlled meal prep
Make a variety — sub in blueberries or strawberries for a berry mix!
🧊 Storage
Store jars covered in the fridge for up to 5 days
Freeze without cherry topping for up to 1 month, then thaw and top before serving
