Makeover Traditional Cheesecake

Name: Makeover Traditional Cheesecake
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 16 servings.
Ingredients: 1-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs; 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar; 1/4 cup butter, melted; FILLING:; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups 1% cottage cheese; 2 cups reduced-fat sour cream, divided; 2 packages (8 ounces each) reduced-fat cream cheese; 1-1/4 cups sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 tablespoon fat-free caramel ice cream topping; 2 Heath candy bars (1.4 ounces each), chopped

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. Bake: 1-1/2 hours + chilling YIELD: 16 servings.

Though softer than a full-fat cheesecake, this lightened-up dessert has all of the original's delectable flavor. It's sure to make any special event more festive. —Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups 1% cottage cheese
2 cups reduced-fat sour cream, divided
2 packages (8 ounces each) reduced-fat cream cheese
1-1/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon fat-free caramel ice cream topping
2 Heath candy bars (1.4 ounces each), chopped

Directions

1. Place a 9-in. springform pan coated with cooking spray on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and confectioners' sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of prepared pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 18-22 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
3. Place the lemon juice, vanilla, cottage cheese and 1 cup sour cream in a blender; cover and process for 2 minutes or until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the remaining sour cream. Add flour and pureed cottage cheese mixture; mix well. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust.
5. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 3/4 in. hot water to larger pan. Bake at 325° for 1-1/2 hours or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
6. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with caramel topping and chopped candy.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 311 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.