Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (12 sheets)
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted)
Filling
- 2 cups full fat cottage cheese (1 16 oz container, at room temperature)
- 1 cup full fat Greek yogurt (at room temperature)
- 8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare Graham Cracker Crumbs: Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse on high until they become fine crumbs. Alternatively, crush them inside a large zip-lock bag using a rolling pin.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, maple syrup, and melted butter. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 15 minutes to set the crust, then remove and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a food processor bowl, add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, flour, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the smooth filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Create Steam Bath: Place the springform pan on the middle rack of your oven. On the bottom rack, place a baking sheet and carefully pour boiling water into it until about 1 inch deep. This steam bath helps prevent cracking on the cheesecake surface.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The edges should be slightly golden, but the center will still jiggle lightly. Check around 45-50 minutes to avoid overcooking, as oven performance varies.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to achieve proper set and flavor development.
Notes
- Use room temperature dairy and eggs to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- The steam bath is crucial to prevent cracking and maintain a creamy texture.
- Check the cheesecake doneness carefully; slight jiggle in the center indicates perfect texture.
- Let the cheesecake chill fully in the fridge for best slicing and flavor.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey if preferred.
- If you don’t have a springform pan, a deep 9-inch cake pan can be used but may be harder to unmold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American