Skinny Mini Strawberry Cheesecake

This skinny mini strawberry cheesecake dessert delivers all the creamy indulgence you crave without the guilt. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping things light, these individual treats layer tangy cheesecake with fresh strawberries and a naturally sweetened crust.

I started making these mini cheesecakes when trying to find a dessert that satisfied my family's sweet cravings without derailing our healthier eating habits. Now they've become our go-to for dinner parties where I can prep them ahead and impress guests with something that looks and tastes decadent.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese (fat-free): Provides the classic cheesecake texture while cutting calories dramatically
• Coconut palm sugar: Offers natural sweetness with a lower glycemic index than regular sugar
• Greek yogurt (low-fat): Adds protein and creaminess without excessive fat
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness
• Strawberry preserves (no sugar added): Creates intense berry flavor without extra sugar
• Fresh strawberries: Bring juicy texture and natural sweetness
• Whole almonds: Create a nutritious crust with healthy fats instead of butter and graham crackers
• Dates (no sugar added): Bind the crust together naturally while adding caramel-like sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the cheesecake mixture:

Combine cream cheese, coconut palm sugar, Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for approximately 3 minutes until the mixture becomes completely smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved. The mixture should have a light and fluffy consistency. Place in refrigerator to chill while preparing other components.

Create the strawberry filling:

In a separate bowl, gently fold together the no sugar added strawberry preserves and diced fresh strawberries. The preserves will coat the fresh berries creating a glossy mixture with concentrated flavor. Allow the natural juices to begin releasing from the berries.

Make the almond date crust:

Add whole almonds to your food processor and pulse in short bursts until they reach a coarse crumb consistency similar to traditional graham cracker crusts. Be patient and careful not to over process or you'll end up with almond flour. Add the pitted dates and continue pulsing until the mixture starts clumping together when pressed between your fingers.

Assemble the parfaits:

Divide half of your almond date mixture evenly among your serving dishes pressing gently to create a firm base. Follow with a layer using half of your cheesecake mixture, spreading evenly. Add a layer with half of your strawberry mixture. Repeat the layering process once more finishing with the strawberry mixture on top.

Chill thoroughly:

Refrigerate the assembled parfaits for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly for the best texture and taste experience.

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I absolutely adore the almond date crust in this recipe. It reminds me of the first time I made these for my mother-in-law who swore she could never enjoy a healthier dessert. She ended up asking for the recipe before leaving our dinner party that night! The natural sweetness from the dates pairs perfectly with the tang of the cheesecake layer.

Make Ahead Options

These mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance making them perfect for entertaining. The flavor actually improves with a longer chill time as the components have more opportunity to meld together. If making more than a day ahead keep the final strawberry layer separate and add just before serving to maintain the freshest appearance and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those avoiding dairy entirely you can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream cheese and use coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Maple syrup can replace the coconut palm sugar for a different flavor profile. For the crust try walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for variation. Any seasonal fresh fruit can replace strawberries according to preference or availability.

Serving Suggestions

Present these mini cheesecakes in clear glasses or ramekins to showcase the beautiful layers. For an elegant touch add a fresh mint leaf or a single sliced strawberry on top just before serving. These parfaits pair wonderfully with a small glass of dessert wine like Moscato or even a cup of herbal tea. For brunch occasions they make an unexpectedly sophisticated alternative to traditional yogurt parfaits.

Nutritional Benefits

The protein content from Greek yogurt helps make this dessert more satisfying than typical sweets. Almonds provide heart healthy fats, vitamin E and magnesium while dates offer fiber and potassium. The fresh strawberries contribute vitamin C and antioxidants making this truly a dessert you can feel good about enjoying. By using no sugar added preserves and natural sweeteners the glycemic impact is lower than traditional cheesecake helping to prevent blood sugar spikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the cream cheese with another ingredient?

Yes, you can use a low-fat cream cheese alternative or even silken tofu for a dairy-free option.

→ Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut palm sugar?

Absolutely, you can use regular sugar, honey, or even a sugar substitute based on your preference.

→ How long does the dessert need to chill?

The dessert should be refrigerated for 2-3 hours to set the layers properly and enhance the flavors.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the dessert.

→ How can I make the dessert nut-free?

Replace the almonds with crushed graham crackers or oats for a similar texture without nuts.