Name: Light Greek Yogurt Jello Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 (3 oz) package sugar-free strawberry Jello; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt; 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup light whipped topping

Why You’ll Love Light Greek Yogurt Jello Cheesecake Recipe

This recipe is incredibly simple and requires no baking at all. It comes together in minutes using everyday ingredients and delivers a rich, creamy texture without heavy cream or cream cheese. The Greek yogurt adds a boost of protein while keeping the dessert light and refreshing. It’s perfect for portion control when made in individual jars, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite fruits or toppings. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert or a healthier alternative to traditional cheesecake, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

1 sheet graham cracker
1/2 teaspoon sweetener
1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

For the cheesecake layer:

5.3 ounces vanilla Greek yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons cheesecake-flavored pudding or jello mix
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

4 fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon sweetener

Directions

Crush the graham cracker sheet into fine crumbs using a sealed bag and rolling pin or a small food processor.
In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the sweetener and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles damp sand.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a small jar or serving glass to form the crust layer.
In a separate bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, pudding or jello mix, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Spoon the yogurt mixture over the crust and gently smooth the top.
Toss the sliced strawberries with the sweetener and arrange them evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dessert to firm up before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 individual cheesecake (can easily be doubled or tripled)
Preparation time: 10–15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

You can easily customize this cheesecake to suit your taste preferences.

For a chocolate version, use chocolate pudding mix and add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top.
Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or cherries for a different fruit flavor.
Use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for a slightly different crust texture.
For a citrus twist, add a small amount of lemon zest to the yogurt mixture.
If you prefer extra sweetness, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to maintain freshness. For best texture, add fresh fruit toppings just before serving.

This dessert does not require reheating since it is meant to be served chilled. If it has been refrigerated for several hours, you can let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving to slightly soften the texture.

FAQs

Can I use plain Greek yogurt instead of vanilla?

Yes, you can use plain Greek yogurt. You may want to add a little extra sweetener and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Is this cheesecake healthy?

It is lighter than traditional cheesecake because it uses Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and heavy cream. Nutritional values will vary depending on the ingredients used.

Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?

Yes, sugar-free pudding or jello mix works well and helps reduce the overall sugar content.

What if my yogurt is too runny?

If your yogurt seems thin, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth for 20–30 minutes to thicken it before mixing.

Can I make this into a larger dessert instead of individual servings?

Absolutely. Simply multiply the ingredients and assemble in a small baking dish or pie pan.

Do I have to use fresh fruit?

No, you can use frozen fruit that has been thawed and drained, or even canned fruit that has been well drained.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the yogurt may change once thawed.

What can I use instead of graham crackers?

You can substitute crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed granola.

How long does it need to chill before serving?

At least 30 minutes is recommended, but chilling for 1–2 hours will give it an even firmer texture.

Conclusion

Light Greek Yogurt Jello Cheesecake is a simple, no-bake dessert that delivers creamy texture and classic cheesecake flavor with minimal effort. With its easy preparation, customizable toppings, and lighter ingredient list, it’s a perfect option for a quick treat or a make-ahead dessert. Once you try it, it may become your go-to solution for satisfying sweet cravings without the heaviness of traditional cheesecake.