Fresh berries are an easy, tasty topping, but any kind of fruit compote would work well. Come to think of it, so would chocolate or caramel sauce.
Vanilla Cheesecake in Jars
Crust:
1 cup (250 ml) graham cracker crumbs (or bashed butter cookie crumbs)
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, melted
Filling:
1 8-oz (250 g) pkg cream cheese, at room temperature
3 tbsp (45 ml) sugar or honey
2 tbsp (30 ml) half & half or heavy cream
1/2 tsp (2 ml) vanilla
fresh berries, for topping
In a medium bowl, stir together the graham crumbs and melted butter; divide the mixture between four small, wide-mouth jars and press into the bottom.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, cream and vanilla until smooth. Divide between the jars, spooning over top of the graham crust and smoothing them lightly. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Top with fresh berries. Serves 6.
Per serving: 263 calories, 16.6 g fat (10.3 g saturated fat, 5 g monounsaturated fat, 1.3 g polyunsaturated fat), 53 mg cholesterol, 21.2 g carbohydrate, 3.6 g protein, 1.7 g fibre.
Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, February/March 2016.
