Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy cheesecake with a perfectly crisp, golden crust—but without the usual calorie overload! This revolutionary low-fat cheesecake crust is about to change your dessert game forever. By cleverly swapping traditional high-fat ingredients with smarter alternatives like unsweetened applesauce, you can enjoy a deliciously satisfying treat that doesn't compromise on flavor or texture. Get ready to discover the secret to a guilt-free dessert that will have everyone asking for your recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 crust
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup light margarine, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar, stirring until well blended.
- Melt the light margarine in a small saucepan or microwave, ensuring it is completely liquefied.
- Pour the melted margarine and unsweetened applesauce into the graham cracker and sugar mixture.
- Mix thoroughly with a fork or spatula until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse, moist crumbs.
- Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish with cooking spray or additional margarine.
- Transfer the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the crust feels set.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature before adding cheesecake filling.
Tips
- Use fresh graham cracker crumbs for the best texture and flavor. If possible, crush them yourself for maximum crispness.
- Ensure your margarine is fully melted and evenly distributed to help bind the crust ingredients properly.
- When pressing the crust into the pan, use firm, even pressure to create a compact base that will hold together beautifully.
- Watch the crust carefully during baking—8-10 minutes is the sweet spot for achieving a golden color without burning.
- Allow the crust to cool completely before adding your cheesecake filling to prevent moisture and ensure a crisp foundation.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the graham cracker crumb mixture.
- If you're looking to reduce calories further, you can experiment with using less sugar or a sugar substitute.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
