Indulge Guilt-Free: Lightened Skinny Mocha Cheesecake Bars with Greek Yogurt
For many, the day simply isn’t complete without a moment of indulgence. And if that indulgence can harmoniously combine the invigorating richness of coffee, the comforting sweetness of chocolate, and the creamy decadence of cheesecake, then you’ve truly hit the jackpot. What if we told you that this trifecta of delights could also be a lighter, more wholesome treat? Prepare to meet your new favorite dessert: these incredible Skinny Mocha Cheesecake Bars.
Crafted to be a delightfully easy and significantly lighter dessert option, these bars prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction when aiming for a healthier lifestyle. We’ve ingeniously lightened them up by incorporating protein-packed Greek yogurt and thoughtfully reducing the sugar content, ensuring each bite is pure bliss without the heavy aftermath. Say goodbye to dessert guilt and hello to a smart, delicious way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
The Art of Lighter Indulgence: Why “Skinny” Doesn’t Mean Less Flavor
The term “skinny” often conjures images of bland, unsatisfying desserts. However, these Skinny Mocha Cheesecake Bars defy that notion entirely. Our philosophy is simple: enhance the natural deliciousness of high-quality ingredients while making smart swaps to reduce calories and fat. The result is a dessert that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also leaves you feeling good about your choice.
The secret lies in a few key ingredient modifications. Instead of a thick, butter-heavy crust, we opt for a crisp, chocolate graham cracker base with just a modest amount of melted butter. This provides the essential texture and a hint of chocolatey depth without overwhelming the palate or the calorie count. It’s the perfect foundation for our velvety cheesecake filling, offering a satisfying crunch that beautifully contrasts the creamy top layer.
But the real star of the show in lightening this cheesecake is the clever substitution in the filling itself. While traditional cheesecake recipes call for multiple blocks of full-fat cream cheese, we’ve strategically used just one package of reduced-fat cream cheese. To maintain that signature tang and luxurious mouthfeel, we introduce a generous portion of plain Greek yogurt. This isn’t just a calorie-saving trick; Greek yogurt adds a wonderful creamy texture, a subtle tang that complements the sweetness, and a beneficial boost of protein, making these bars more satisfying and a little more virtuous.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Less Sugar, More Natural Taste
When it comes to sweetness, many desserts err on the side of overpowering. These Skinny Mocha Cheesecake Bars are designed for a more balanced profile. We’ve significantly cut down on the granulated sugar, using just 1/3 cup for the entire batch of 12 bars. When divided, this translates to a remarkably low sugar content per serving, making it a fantastic option for those mindful of their intake.
This careful reduction allows the natural flavors of the chocolate and coffee to truly shine, preventing the dessert from being cloyingly sweet. Instead, you get a sophisticated blend where the bitterness of the coffee and the rich notes of the chocolate are perfectly highlighted. If you prefer a slightly sweeter cheesecake, you have the flexibility to add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the filling; however, we encourage you to try the recipe as written first to appreciate its nuanced sweetness.
The Irresistible Mocha Fusion
No discussion of these bars would be complete without celebrating the exquisite mocha flavor. The combination of melted semisweet chocolate chips and instant coffee granules creates a symphony of taste that is both comforting and exhilarating. The coffee deepens the chocolate’s complexity, adding a subtle roasted note that elevates the entire cheesecake experience. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, delivering that beloved coffeehouse vibe in a bite-sized dessert bar.
This isn’t just chocolate-flavored cheesecake or coffee-flavored cheesecake; it’s a true mocha experience where neither flavor overpowers the other, but rather, they intertwine to create something truly magical. Each forkful promises a smooth, creamy texture with a delightful undercurrent of rich cocoa and robust coffee. It’s the kind of dessert that leaves a lasting impression and has you reaching for “just one more.”
Effortless Preparation and Convenient Storage
Beyond their delicious taste and lighter profile, these Skinny Mocha Cheesecake Bars are also remarkably easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining. The steps are straightforward, from crushing the graham crackers for the crust to blending the creamy filling. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve perfect results.
Baking for Perfection
The baking process is equally simple. A quick bake for the crust, followed by a gentle bake for the filling, ensures a perfectly set cheesecake that’s not overcooked. The key is to allow ample cooling time, first at room temperature, then in the refrigerator. This chilling period is crucial for the cheesecake to fully set and achieve its optimal firm-yet-creamy texture. Patience is a virtue when it comes to cheesecake, and it truly pays off here.
Freezer-Friendly Delight
One of the best features of these mocha cheesecake bars is their excellent freezer-friendliness. This makes them perfect for meal prepping your desserts or having a convenient treat on hand whenever a craving strikes. Simply bake, cool, slice, and then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the refrigerator, and they’ll taste as fresh as the day they were made. This convenience means you can always have a light and delicious dessert ready to go, whether for unexpected guests or a personal indulgence.
Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, enjoying them as a guilt-free snack, or preparing them ahead of time for future cravings, these Skinny Mocha Cheesecake Bars are designed for ease and enjoyment. They are a testament to the idea that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of dessert.
Skinny Mocha Cheesecake Bars
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Ingredients
Crust:
- 6 full-sheets chocolate graham crackers
- 2.5 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake:
- 1 8-ounce package reduced fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 2 teaspoons hot water
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg room temperature
Instructions
To make the crust:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal, and set aside.
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Add the chocolate graham crackers to a food processor and process until you have fine crumbs. Pour the crumbs into a small bowl and mix with the melted butter until fully combined.
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Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly.
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Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
To make the cheesecake filling:
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Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
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Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the melted chocolate and mix until fully combined.
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In a small bowl, add the instant coffee and hot water and mix until fully dissolved. Add into the mixing bowl, along with the Greek yogurt, flour, and vanilla and mix well.
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Add in the egg and mix on low speed until well combined.
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Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread it out evenly.
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Bake at 325°F for about 25 minutes.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
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Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
Store cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
These bars will also freeze well, just thaw in the refrigerator.
Recipe adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction.