Description

This Simple Cottage Cheese Cheesecake is a delightful, creamy dessert that combines the rich tang of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt with a sweet, buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to make and perfect for a light yet flavorful treat, this cheesecake balances sweetness with a subtle hint of lemon zest for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Crust

1 cup graham cracker crumbs (I use Honey Maid for the best honey flavor)
1 tbsp sugar
1 pinch salt
4 tbsp butter (melted and cooled slightly)

Filling

1 cup cottage cheese (I prefer Good Culture for its thick texture)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 egg
4 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp flour (I always use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 tsp lemon zest

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Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and holds together when pressed.
Form the crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 6-inch springform pan or a similar small baking dish to create an even crust layer.
Prepare the filling: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, egg, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no visible curds.
Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the smooth filling over the prepared crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Bake the cheesecake: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
Cool and chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to firm up and develop flavor.
Serve: Once chilled, carefully remove from the springform pan, slice, and serve. Optionally, garnish with fresh fruit or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

Be sure to use full-fat or thick cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor.
Press the crust firmly to avoid it falling apart when serving.
You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a slightly different flavor profile.
Allow the cheesecake to chill fully; this helps it set properly and improves the taste.
If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the filling mixture longer or strain the blended cheese filling.