Lighter Cheesecake

Name: Lighter Cheesecake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 16 slices, 16 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 2 ounces finely chopped pecans; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 4 eggs; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; 16 ounces light sour cream; 3.5 (8 ounce) packages neufchatel cheese - 1/3 less the fat cream cheese (room temperature)

Submitted by RoseLynn

"One of my favorite cheesecake recipes with a few modifications - still delicious, just a little bit better for you."

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Ready In:: 1hr 45mins
Ingredients:: 11
Yields:: 16 slices
Serves:: 16

ingredients

Crust
1 ¹⁄₂ cups graham cracker crumbs
¹⁄₂ cup butter, melted
2 ounces finely chopped pecans
¹⁄₂ teaspoon cinnamon
Filling
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¹⁄₂ teaspoon almond extract
¹⁄₂ teaspoon lemon zest
16 ounces light sour cream
3.5 (8 ounce) packages neufchatel cheese - 1/3 less the fat cream cheese (room temperature)

directions

Preheat oven at 400 degrees.
For crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and pecans.
Pour in butter. Mix together, making sure that all crumbs are coated with butter - creating a crumble (don't overmix).
Spray 9 inch spring form pan with cooking spray.
Press crumble onto the bottom of pan.
For filling: In a large mixing bowl, blend eggs, sugar, vanilla, almond, and lemon zest on high until fluffy (about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes).
Mix in sour cream.
Begin adding neufchatel cheese to mixing bowl, about 1/2 package at a time. Blending well after each addition.
Pour filling over graham cracker crust.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until brown around the edges and center only jiggles slightly. (Tip: To prevent cracking - either try baking in a water bath or place an oven-safe dish with water in oven - moisture will help to prevent the cracking.).
When time is up, turn off oven and leave cake in oven for 1/2 hour.
Remove cake from oven and place on counter to cool.
Place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 4 hours before serving.