By: Fia Batua -Mambuay, RND
Medical Culinary & Sports Nutritionist Dietitian
When I was around 7 years old, my aunt brought me to a bakeshop to buy a slice of cake. She ordered a blueberry cheesecake, and oh man, it changed me. One bite, and I
was hooked!
Since then, blueberry cheesecake has been one of my favorite desserts. I am so into it that I have learned to appreciate the many different ingredients and toppings you can use to make a delectable cheesecake. Whenever I travel, I always make sure I try the blueberry cheesecake available in the area.
I became a “cheesecake critique.” I used to meet up with an owner of a food brand (one of the local pioneers of the cheesecake-in-a-jar) for a taste test. We’d try to find the perfect balance for their many cheesecake varieties. It was a fun and tasty gig!
As a nutritionist, I always advise my clients to enjoy what they eat and let them know that desserts can be part of a healthy diet. They just need to be mindful of what and how much they consume. Exercise and a well-balanced diet contribute to a healthier and happier you! #IntuitiveEating #ExerciseDaily
Blueberries rank high in my list of favorite fruits for a variety of reasons. Aside from being super delicious, they are beautiful, healthy, simple, and versatile. They are infinitely snackable, and you can also use them for cooking and baking. You can enjoy them in both sweet and savory dishes.
Blueberries are a nutrient-dense, functional fruit containing these four essential nutrients
(1):
○ Fiber – Promotes heart health, helps you feel full, and keeps cholesterol in check.
○ Vitamin C – Supports a healthy immune system.
○ Vitamin K – Aids in bone metabolism and helps regulate blood clotting.
○ Manganese – Helps convert proteins, carbs, and fats into energy and improves
bone development.
They have been shown to help protect against heart disease. In fact, blueberries are certified as heart-healthy through the American Heart Association® Heart-Check Food Certification Program.
You can visit their website for yummy blueberry recipes! (2) Studies also suggest that blueberries contain phytochemicals and nutrients that show potential anti-cancer effects. However, more research is needed to back up this claim and to fully understand their cancer-fighting benefits. (3)
No-Bake Cheesecake with Fresh Blueberries
It comes as no surprise that I have developed many blueberry cheesecake recipes over the years. I use frozen or canned blueberries most of the time, but whenever I get my hands on fresh blueberries, I use them as is. No fuss, just top the cheesecake with
blueberry freshness!
Ingredients:
● 400 grams crushed Graham
● 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
● 2 tablespoons coco sugar
● 2 x 8-ounce cream cheese
● 1 cup condensed milk
● ¼ cup lemon juice
● 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Pour graham into a medium bowl; stir in the coco sugar. Add your melted butter
and stir until well combined. - Press the crumb mixture at the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, around 1 ½
inch thick. Spread evenly over the pan. Chill in the freezer for at least 10 mins. - Make the filling: Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Beat in the
condensed milk while scraping the sides of the bowl. Beat in the lemon juice and
vanilla. - Pour the filling into the crust; smoothen the top with a rubber spatula. Cover with
plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 2-3 hours. - Loosen the sides of the pan, remove the cheesecake, and top with fresh
blueberries!
It’s sweet and mildly tart. It’s smooth and creamy. Best enjoyed with tea or coffee!
If you want extra blueberry flavor, you can make your own blueberry sauce. Here’s one
you can try: https://blueberry.org/recipes/saucy-blueberries/.
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References:
(1) https://blueberry.org/health-benefits/nutrition-facts/
(2) https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/heart-check-foods
(3) https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/food-facts/blueberries/
This is a sponsored post by the U.S Highbush Blueberry Council in the Philippines
(@usblueberriesphl on Facebook and Instagram), but all opinions are my own.
Fresh blueberries from the U.S. are available in stores near you and are also offered by
online fruit sellers. Get yours now while they’re in season!
Welcome to my world! 