Description
This Healthy Cheesecake with Cottage Cheese offers a lighter twist on traditional cheesecake by using cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and reduced fat content. It features a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth, subtly sweetened filling with real vanilla bean, and a fresh homemade blackcurrant jam topping. Perfect for those seeking a delicious yet nutritious dessert option.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (140 grams) (also works with digestive crumbs)
- 1/4 cup caster sugar (50 grams)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85 grams), melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 1/3 cups cottage cheese (500 grams)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (200 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon maple syrup (75 grams)
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 bourbon vanilla bean
Blackcurrant Jam
- 3/4 cup blackcurrants (150 grams)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 3 tablespoons water (50 milliliters)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom. If the pan is not non-stick, lightly oil the sides to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, caster sugar, melted unsalted butter, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Form the Crust: Gently press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined springform pan. Use a small piece of parchment paper to cover your fingers for easier pressing. Set aside while preparing the filling.
- Blend the Filling: In a food processor or blender set on low speed, blend cottage cheese and Greek yogurt together until smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, beat the eggs until combined. Add the eggs, maple syrup, and all-purpose flour to the blended cottage cheese mixture. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean pod and stir them fully into the mixture for flavor.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared filling over the crust in the springform pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Make the Blackcurrant Jam: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan combine blackcurrants, granulated sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency.
- Cool the Jam: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the blackcurrant jam to cool to room temperature before using.
- Serve: Once the cheesecake has cooled, top it with the blackcurrant jam. The cheesecake is best served chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute digestive biscuits for the graham cracker crumbs if unavailable.
- For a smoother texture, ensure the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are well blended to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Using a vanilla bean enhances flavor significantly; if unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
- Allow the cheesecake to fully cool and chill to set properly before slicing.
- The blackcurrant jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American