WW Cheesecake Puffs

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WW Cheesecake Puffs are an upside-down tart and sweet dessert that we have made a lightened-up version of to fit into your Weight Watchers diet. It is a soft cake with cheesecake filling, a juicy pineapple ring, and some color with a cherry on top. These bite-sized snacks are pre-portioned; thus, it is easy to indulge in a dessert without going overboard. This texture is creamy & smooth, with the fruit making it lighter and fresher. They go together fast and can be baked in muffin containers and then served easily. WW Pineapple Cheesecake Puffs are great for weekend get-togethers, lunchbox snacks, desserts, or a delicious something at home.

STATS

  • Diet: Weight Watchers-Friendly
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American
  • Time for prep: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 20 minutes
  • Working time (total): 35 minutes
  • Size/serving: 1 mini cheesecake
  • Level of difficulty: Easy
  • Mode of cooking: Baking
  • Total yield: 12 mini cheesecakes

EQUIPMENT

  • Muffin tin
  • Paper liners
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer/whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 pineapple rings
  • 12 maraschino cherries (optional)
  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons light butter, melted
  • 8 oz light cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 2 large eggs

INGREDIENTS NOTES:

Pineapple rings:

  • One/fewer of the points can be used along with using canned pineapple containing juice, which is naturally sweet. Drain well to avoid additional wetness, which would produce an effect on the texture.

Maraschino cherries:

  • Not necessary, but provide an old-fashioned feel with a splash of color. They also add the slight sweetness, which complements the pineapple.

Crumbs of a Graham cracker:

  • Make the cheesecake texture nicely crunchy. Less fat ones should also do the trick in enabling the dessert to be lighter.

Light butter:

  • Aids coagulating the crumbs and gives it an air of richness with butter. With a lightened version, it decreases the amount of fat but not the taste.

Light cream cheese:

  • Makes the cheesecake creamy. It retains its indulgence, though with lower-fat cream cheese that is Weight Watchers-friendly.

Greek yogurt:

  • It brings about a creamy smoothness and additional proteins. It also makes the filling light and balanced.

Sugar substitute:

  • Sweet but without the bonus points. Choosing a brand that tastes most like real sugar will yield the greatest results.

Vanilla extract:

  • Adds warm, spicy, sweet flavors to the cheesecake. Doing so much is not required.

Eggs:

  • Put the form and make the cheesecake bake firm. They also add to a creamy custard-like texture.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Set the oven’s temperature to 175°C (350°F). Use paper liners to line a muffin tray.
  2. Put a pineapple ring on each liner’s underside. If used, place a cherry in the middle of each pineapple ring.
  3. In a small dish, combine the graham cracker crumbs & melted butter.
  4. Stir to wet evenly. Lightly press 1 spoonful of the crumb mixture onto each pineapple ring.
  5. Beat the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, sugar replacement, & vanilla together in a medium-sized bowl till smooth.
  6. One by one, add the eggs & stir just till combined. Avoid over mixing.
  7. Evenly distribute the batter among the crumbs & pineapple in each liner.
  8. Bake till the centers are firm, 18 to 20 minutes.
  9. Once the pan has cooled for 10 minutes, move it to a wire rack to finish cooling.

TIPS

  • Dry pat pineapple rings with a paper towel to prevent damp cheesecakes.
  • Don your Graham cracker crust with a touch of cinnamon by dusting a pinch over it.
  • These taste better when chilled overnight.

STORAGE INFORMATION

Refrigerate:

  • Keep for at least five days in a sealed package.

Freezer:

  • Store in a freezer-safe container for a maximum of fourteen days after freezing in a single layer till hard. Before distributing, let it thaw in the chiller.

FAQS

Aren’t they complete without crust?

  • Sure, just omit the crumb mix and do a crustless one.

Is it OK to use fresh pineapple?

  • It does–cut it thin and shape it up to fit in the muffin cups.

Can I keep this sugar-free?

  • Sure, consider a zero-calorie sweetener in the batter and label it to contain added sugars.

Are these to be water bath-baked?

  • No, we don’t require baking of mini cheesecakes with baking paper.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Calories: 95
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 95mg
Each Weight Watchers point is worth three, depending on the specific elements utilized.