You’re a package or two away from a creamy dessert that no one will know is light.
14 Light Desserts that Start with Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese
Updated Feb. 26, 2024
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Peachy Summer Cheesecake
This is a cool, always refreshing dessert that is fancy enough to take to a gathering. You can make this ahead of time and freeze it. Make sure you cover it well in an airtight container and add the peaches only after the cheesecake thaws. —Joan Engelhardt, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
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Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
I’m a chocolate lover, and these cream cheese brownies have satisfied my cravings many times. No one guesses the brownies are light because their chewy texture and rich chocolate taste can’t be beat. My family requests them often, and I’m happy to oblige. —Heidi Johnson, Worland, Wyoming
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Pineapple Pudding Cake
My mother used to love making this easy pineapple sunshine cake in the summertime. It's so cool and refreshing that it never lasts very long! —Kathleen Worden, North Andover, Massachusetts
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Fruit Pizza
These pretty fruit pizzas have been a hit every time I’ve served them. They start with premade cookie dough, making them super simple. —Janet O’Neal, Poplar Bluff, Missouri
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Makeover Traditional Cheesecake
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
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
A rich layer of sweetened cream cheese under a glazed strawberry topping makes this strawberry cream cheese pie a standout on any dessert table.
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Pear Tart
This lovely pear tart features warm fall spices and delicious fruit, plus a lightly sweetened cream cheese filling and a nutty, buttery crust.
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Makeover Cream Cheese Streusel Bars
With an oh-so-chocolaty crust, a crispy, crunchy topping and soft cream cheese filling, these delectable bars are over-the-top indulgent. —Janet Coops, Duarte, California
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Yogurt-Ricotta Cheesecake
I have always liked Italian ricotta cheesecakes, but they have too much sugar for me. With this light version, my family can’t even tell the difference! I serve mine with sugar-free strawberry ice cream topping and fresh strawberries. —Diane Shipley, Mentor, Ohio
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Lime Basil Pie
This sweet lime and basil dessert has a unique taste, plus less calories and fat than the traditional Key lime pie. —Samara Donald, Redmond, Washington.
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Lemony Cream Cheese Bars
Anytime I can take a recipe that has been handed down two generations and lighten it up while keeping the delicious flavor memories intact, I’m a happy girl. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
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Chocolate Swirled Cheesecake
This cheesecake looks and tastes indulgent, but it's a lightened up version you can feel good about serving your family. —Kathy Shan, Toledo, Ohio
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Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Bars
I’ve tried “light” cheesecake recipes before with mixed results. Making a few changes, I created a rich, creamy cheesecake filling that truly tastes like the real deal. —Katie Farrell, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Chocolate Peppermint Log
What a great make-ahead treat! This cake log is perfect for the holidays because you can make it when you have time, store it in the freezer and scratch dessert off of your to-do list. —Brenda Sinclair, Princeton, MissouriOriginally Published: March 31, 2021
