Easy Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Recipe
This Easy Cottage Cheese Cheesecake is a light and creamy dessert that uses cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for a healthier twist on the classic cheesecake. With a simple graham cracker crust and smooth, velvety filling, it’s perfect for a quick, delicious treat that’s also packed with protein. The subtle lemon zest adds a fresh hint of flavor, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
For the Crust
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional for crust)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for crust)
- 1 pinch kosher salt (for crust)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for crust)
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup cottage cheese (any fat content)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (nonfat, 2%, or full-fat)
- 1 large egg
- 2.5 tablespoons sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 6-inch springform pan to ensure the cheesecake doesn’t stick.
- Make the crust mix: In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and kosher salt. Stir in melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened and hold together when pressed.
- Form the crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly along the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and becomes fragrant. Remove and let it cool slightly.
- Blend the filling: In a high-powered blender, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, egg, sugar, flour (or cornstarch), vanilla extract, and lemon zest if using. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Pour the filling: Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture over the baked crust or directly into a greased 6-inch springform pan if skipping the crust.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and beginning to brown with a matte finish. The center should be slightly jiggly but mostly set.
- Cool and chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for several hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
- Add toppings and serve: Before serving, add your preferred toppings such as fresh fruit, honey, or nut butter to enhance the cheesecake’s flavor.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, be sure to fully blend the cottage cheese with the other ingredients.
- The crust is optional; you can bake the cheesecake without a crust for a crustless version.
- If you don’t have a high-powered blender, blend the cottage cheese in batches or use a food processor.
- Allow cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation, which can affect texture.
- Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a citrus variation.
- Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days.
Keywords: cottage cheese cheesecake, healthy cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe, low fat dessert, Greek yogurt cheesecake, quick cheesecake