Cheesecake is a weakness for many people. From the rich texture to the decadent flavor, it's hard to pass up a slice.

This recipe might cause a little less guilt. The crust uses unsweetened applesauce, and sweet potato adds a velvety texture and allows the baker to use a lot less cream cheese than a traditional cheesecake recipe.

Makes: 1 pie; Serves: 12.

Ingredients

For the crust:

1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

For the filling:

14 ounces cream cheese

1 large egg

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup mashed sweet potato, cooled

1/2 lemon, zested and juiced

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

2 large egg whites

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven 250 F degrees. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and applesauce in a bowl until it is just blended.
2. Lightly oil sides and bottom of 9-inch spring form pan. Press crumb mixture into the bottom and sides. 
3. Bake for 5 minutes, remove and cool until ready to fill.
4. Turn down to 200 degrees. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese in a mixing bowl until fluffy, approximately 5 minutes. Stop mixer and scrape down sides and bottom of bowl. Add the egg, sugar and sweet potato to bowl. Mix 1 minute on medium speed. Add lemon zest, juice, and vanilla to bowl. Mix for 2 minutes and hold to add egg whites.
5. Add the egg whites into clean mixing bowl. Using a wire whip attachment, whip on medium speed until medium stiff peaks form. Pour the egg whites into cream cheese bowl, gently fold to combine.  Pour filling into prepared pie shell.
6. Bake at 200 F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until cheesecake is just set; remove from oven and cool on bakers rack for half hour, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
7. Cut cheesecake into 12 equal slices. Optional garnish with whip cream and fresh berries

Nutrition: Calories 249 | Protein 4g | Total Fat 14g | Saturated Fat 7g | Carbs 26g | Dietary Fiber 1g | Cholesterol 60mg | Sodium 200mg

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 60 minutes.

Recipe Courtesy of Morrison Healthcare