Luscious Low-Fat Banana Cheesecake
Serves 8-10
Sandra Bloom
Ingredients
Almond Crust
¾ cup whole almonds
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
2 8oz blocks fat free cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 8oz. blocks light cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups mashed ripe banana
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large eggs
Whipped cream and/or fruit of choice for serving
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Step 2
Grind almonds in a food processor until the nuts are in very small pieces with fine crumbs.
Step 3
Mix the ground almonds with the sugar and melted butter.
Step 4
When the crust is the consistency of wet sand press it into the bottom of a 9” springform pan wrapped tightly with foil to prevent leaks.
Step 5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven until it’s slightly brown, about 7 minutes.
Step 6
Remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 7
Reduce the oven temperature to 325F.
Step 8
While the crust is cooling make the cheesecake batter.
Step 9
Using a stand mixer/handheld mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk the cream cheeses together until light and fluffy.
Step 10
Add the Greek yogurt and continue whisking.
Step 11
Add the mashed banana, sugar and eggs, mixing at high speed to incorporate.
Step 12
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing at medium speed.
Step 13
Once the batter is creamy and smooth, pour into the prepared pan over the crust.
Step 14
Place the springform pan into a roasting pan and fill with water to halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
Step 15
Bake in the center of the oven for 1 ½ hours or until the center of the cake is firm to the touch.
Step 16
Remove from the oven and let cool. Then refrigerate for 12 hours to completely set.
Step 17
When ready to serve, run a wet cold knife around the edges of the springform pan to loosen the cake. Unlatch the spring and remove the ring from the cake.
Step 18
Serve with fruit of choice and/or whipped cream topping the cake.
