Introduction:

Desserts can often be a source of concern when you’re following a healthy eating plan like Weight Watchers (WW). However, with the WW Cherry Cheesecake Jars, you can indulge in a sweet treat without feeling guilty! This recipe transforms the indulgent flavors of a traditional cheesecake into a low-SmartPoints, perfectly portioned dessert, perfect for a WW-friendly lifestyle. With its creamy, rich filling and sweet, tart cherry topping, these individual jars of cheesecake offer all the deliciousness you crave but with significantly fewer calories and SmartPoints.

What makes these WW Cherry Cheesecake Jars stand out is their ability to satisfy your dessert cravings without derailing your diet. The creamy base is made with reduced-fat ingredients, while the cherry topping is fresh and bursting with natural sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a party, or just to treat yourself after a long day, these jars of joy are sure to impress. In this detailed recipe guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making these jars, from ingredient measurements to nutritional information, and of course, SmartPoints breakdowns.

Ingredients for WW Cherry Cheesecake Jars:

This recipe uses a combination of light ingredients to keep the dessert low in SmartPoints while maintaining its rich, decadent flavor. Here’s what you will need:

For the Crust:

  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (you can use reduced-fat or whole wheat graham crackers for fewer points)
  • 2 tablespoons light butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar substitute (such as Stevia or Swerve, depending on your preference)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened (such as Neufchatel cream cheese)
  • 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (for added creaminess and protein)
  • 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or another sugar substitute (adjust sweetness to your taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor depth)
  • 1/4 cup light whipped topping (for fluffiness)

For the Cherry Topping:

  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped (or you can use frozen cherries, thawed)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to balance the sweetness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • Light whipped cream (optional topping)
  • Grated dark chocolate (a small sprinkle for extra indulgence)

Kitchen Tools Needed:

To prepare the WW Cherry Cheesecake Jars, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

  • Small mixing bowls (for the crust, filling, and topping)
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (to blend the cheesecake filling)
  • Measuring spoons (for precise measurements)
  • Measuring cups (for ingredients)
  • Mason jars or small glass containers (for portioning the cheesecake)
  • Small saucepan (for the cherry topping)
  • Rubber spatula (for mixing)
  • Whisk (for stirring the cherry topping)
  • Chopping knife (to pit and chop the cherries)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making the graham cracker crust. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted light butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar substitute. Stir until the mixture is well-combined and resembles wet sand.

Spoon a tablespoon or two of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each jar or small glass container. Use the back of a spoon to gently press it down and create a firm, compact base for your cheesecake. This crust will provide a slightly crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened reduced-fat cream cheese using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer) until smooth and creamy. Add 1/2 cup of non-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of powdered erythritol, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue beating until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. The Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor and extra creaminess, while the erythritol keeps it low in sugar.

Next, gently fold in 1/4 cup of light whipped topping to the mixture. This step adds fluffiness to the filling and lightens up the texture. Once everything is well-combined, spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust in each jar, filling each jar about halfway to three-quarters full.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Topping

For the cherry topping, you’ll want to bring out the natural sweetness of the cherries while balancing it with a little acidity. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of chopped fresh cherries, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes). If you prefer a thicker topping, you can mash the cherries gently with the back of a spoon to create a chunky sauce.

Once the cherry topping is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, spoon a generous portion of the cherry topping over the cheesecake filling in each jar. The sweet and tangy cherry topping will complement the rich creaminess of the cheesecake.

Step 4: Chill the Cheesecake Jars

Once you have added the cherry topping, place the jars in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2-3 hours or until the cheesecake filling has set. If you have the time, letting them sit overnight will allow the flavors to meld and give the dessert an even better texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish the WW Cherry Cheesecake Jars with a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing contrast and an extra touch of color. You can also add a light swirl of whipped cream or a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate for an additional indulgent touch, though keep in mind that this may add points.

Nutritional Breakdown:

These WW Cherry Cheesecake Jars are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying within your Weight Watchers points. Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 170 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Net Carbs: 19g
  • Sugar: 10g (natural sugar from cherries and honey)
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

WW SmartPoints:

For those following the Weight Watchers (WW) plan, this dessert is a guilt-free indulgence with a low point value. Here’s the breakdown of SmartPoints:

  • SmartPoints (Green Plan): 6 points per serving
  • SmartPoints (Blue Plan): 5 points per serving
  • SmartPoints (Purple Plan): 4 points per serving

The exact SmartPoints may vary based on ingredient substitutions or changes to portion size. If you want to reduce the points further, you can use a lower-calorie sweetener or skip the whipped cream and dark chocolate garnish.

Tips for Making the Best WW Cherry Cheesecake Jars:

  1. Use Fresh Cherries for Better Flavor: Fresh cherries will provide the best flavor, but frozen cherries can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain excess moisture to avoid making the topping too watery.
  2. Add a Dash of Cinnamon: To enhance the flavor of the crust, you can sprinkle in a little cinnamon. This adds warmth and depth to the graham cracker base.
  3. Customize with Different Fruit Toppings: While cherries are delicious, feel free to switch things up by using strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries as your topping. Each fruit will lend a unique flavor and texture to your jars.
  4. Make Them Ahead of Time: These jars are great for meal prep! You can prepare the cheesecake filling and crust ahead of time, storing them separately, and then assemble the jars when you’re ready to serve. This makes for an easy dessert to take to parties or bring to gatherings.
  5. Lighten Up the Crust: If you’re looking for an even lower-calorie option, you can swap the graham cracker crumbs with crushed almonds or coconut flour for a more keto-friendly version.
  6. Non-Dairy Option: For a dairy-free version, swap out the cream cheese and Greek yogurt with vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt. You can also use a plant-based whipped topping.

How to Store and Reheat:

The WW Cherry Cheesecake Jars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The longer they sit, the more the flavors will meld together. However, be sure to enjoy them within a few days for the freshest taste. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, skip the cherry topping until you’re ready to serve, as it may become too watery when thawed.

Conclusion:

The WW Cherry Cheesecake Jars are the perfect solution for anyone craving a delicious, indulgent dessert that fits into a healthy lifestyle. With creamy cheesecake filling, a sweet cherry topping, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, this dessert combines the best of all worlds—flavor, texture, and low SmartPoints. Whether you’re following the Green, Blue, or Purple plan, these jars are sure to be a hit.

Enjoy them as a treat after dinner, or make a batch to serve at a gathering—these individual-sized desserts are always a crowd-pleaser! With low SmartPoints, customizable ingredients, and delightful presentation, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your WW recipe collection.