I’m taking a short break from taking a short break from sugar. With so many delightful Valentine’s Day desserts to make and share, who can blame me? This week, I made a no-bake cheesecake using fresh strawberry juice- which makes it sort of healthy, right?
I started by making a no-bake graham cracker crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, melted
Crush the graham crackers into a fine sand, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, and press into the bottom of your mini cheesecake cups, or one 8-10 inch round pan. Chill until firm.
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, melted
Crush the graham crackers into a fine sand, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, and press into the bottom of your mini cheesecake cups, or one 8-10 inch round pan. Chill until firm.
Next up, I needed to start the cheesecake filling.
12 strawberries
12 ounces softened cream cheese
2/3 cup sour cream
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
I started by juicing a handful of strawberries in the juicer. I wanted a pink color in my cheesecake, and thought that the best way to achieve that was by using fresh juice. Add more berries to taste, or based on your preferred “pinkness” of the cheesecake.
Next, I whipped together the cream cheese, sour cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until the mixture was smooth, light and fluffy. Then I added the strawberry juice.
I spooned the mixture into my cups, garnished with my remaining strawberries, chilled until set (30 minutes or so), and served to my loved ones!
Patricia Lynne says
Mmmmm! Sounds delicious and easy! Will have to try this one.
Amy says
that. looks. SO GOOD!!! I am going to have to try to make this for valentines day!!!
radmegan says
Thanks Patricia Lynne and Thanks Amy!
Hope you both enjoyed the recipe! (AND had happy Valentine’s Days!)
xxoo
radmegan
Krissy says
Oooh, those are super cute cups! Very festive.
I might have to try that recipe for Valentines day 2012
Shaina Smith says
I don’t have a juicer. How do you think it will turn out if I ran the berries through a food processor? My first instinct says it will be too seedy. Maybe strain through cheesecloth after processing?
radmegan says
I think a food processor, or even a mortar/pestle and cheesecloth strainer would be great!