Clean Eating Cheesecake Bars with Cranberries
Try this Clean Eating Cheesecake Bars with Cranberries recipe.
Try this Clean Eating Cheesecake Bars with Cranberries recipe.
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups pecans
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 lemon, juice of
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or raw honey
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or raw honey
- 2 tbsp whole wheat flour*
- 18 oz tub 2% cottage cheese
- 1 cup 2% greek yogurt plain
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or raw honey
- 2 eggs, large**
- 2 tbsp whole wheat flour*
- 2 cups fresh cranberries***
- 1 tbsp cornstarch****
- 1 lemon, zest of (plus more for garnish)
- Carbohydrate 30.8258216858232 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 117.855913432807 g
- Fiber 18.928717180805 g
- Protein 15.7009450126743 g
- Saturated Fat 10.131058341875 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (799g)
- Sodium 5.07233333533681 mg
- Sugar 11.8971045050182 g
- Trans Fat 5.6164213379981 g
- Calories 1174 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line 8 x 8 square baking dish with unbleached parchment paper, overhanging on the sides. Set aside.
- To make Crust: In a food processor, powerful blender or Magic Bullet, process pecans into fine crumbs. Transfer to a medium bowl along with flour, cinnamon, salt and stir to combine. Add maple syrup (honey) and mix well. Using your hands, press into prepared lined pan and set aside.
- To make Filling: Add Filling ingredients to a food processor or blender and process until smooth and creamy, for about 2 - 3 minutes. Pour over crust and bake for 60 minutes or until the cheesecake has set and edges are lightly browned.
- In the meanwhile, prepare the Topping: In a small saucepan, add water and maple syrup (honey), and bring to a boil. Add cranberries, lemon zest and juice, vanilla and cook on low for a few minutes or until a few cranberries have popped. Set aside.
- Remove cheesecake from the oven, pour Topping on top and garnish with lemon zest if desired. Let cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and then in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Lift the cheesecake out of the pan by holding the flaps and cut into 16 squares.
Clean Eating Cheesecake Bars with Cranberries: A Busy Woman's Delight
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and meal prep, finding time for anything beyond the essentials feels like a luxury. Yet, I've discovered that even in the midst of chaos, a little self-care, even in the form of a delicious and healthy treat, can make all the difference. That's where these Clean Eating Cheesecake Bars with Cranberries come in.
These bars aren't just a satisfying indulgence; they're a testament to efficient, healthy eating. The recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal prep time and readily available ingredients. I often find myself whipping up a batch on a Sunday afternoon, knowing I'll have a quick and healthy dessert option for the busy week ahead. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the creamy sweetness of the cheesecake filling, creating a flavor profile that's both refreshing and decadent. And let's not forget the satisfying crunch of the pecan crust – the perfect textural contrast to the smooth filling.
Why I love this recipe: It's not just the delicious taste; it's the convenience. I can easily adapt the recipe to accommodate what's on hand. Sometimes I use honey instead of maple syrup, or substitute different berries depending on the season. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. The process is intuitive enough to make it feel like less of a chore and more of a mindful activity that takes only a few minutes.
Ingredients that work their magic: The use of whole wheat flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and a boost of fiber. The combination of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt in the filling creates a delightfully creamy texture while keeping the fat content manageable. The cranberries, packed with antioxidants, provide a burst of vibrant color and a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. And the pecans? Well, they're simply delicious, offering both crunch and healthy fats.
More than just a dessert: These cheesecake bars are more than just a satisfying treat. They're a reminder to prioritize my well-being, even when life gets hectic. Taking a few minutes to enjoy a piece of this deliciousness is a small act of self-care that makes a big difference. It's a moment of pause in the whirlwind of daily tasks, a quiet moment to savor the flavors and appreciate the effort I put into creating something healthy and delicious.
Tips for success: Make sure to line your baking dish properly to prevent sticking. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting – this will help maintain their shape and prevent them from crumbling. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They're even better the next day!
So, if you’re a busy woman juggling multiple roles, don't let the lack of time deter you from indulging in something delicious and healthy. These Clean Eating Cheesecake Bars with Cranberries are your perfect solution – a guilt-free pleasure that fits perfectly into even the busiest of schedules. They're a delicious reminder that self-care doesn't have to be complicated; sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most rewarding.
Beyond the recipe: This recipe is a springboard for experimentation. Feel free to add other ingredients that suit your tastes. Try substituting different nuts for the pecans, adding chocolate chips for an extra layer of richness, or experimenting with other berries. The possibilities are endless! The key is to have fun with it and make it your own. Remember, cooking should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore. So go ahead, unleash your inner chef and create a sweet treat that nourishes both your body and your soul.
The perfect accompaniment: These cheesecake bars pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of cold milk. They’re the perfect ending to a busy day, a small moment of indulgence that helps you recharge and refocus. And who knows, maybe they'll inspire you to find those hidden moments of self-care in the midst of your busy life.
