Description
A light and creamy Cottage Cheese Cheesecake featuring a crispy low sugar granola crust, bursting with fresh berries and a hint of lemon zest. This healthier twist on classic cheesecake uses low-fat cottage cheese and minimal sugar, making it a delightful dessert that balances indulgence and nutrition.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) low sugar granola or muesli (alternatively sweet, low-fat biscuits like Graham crackers)
- 3 tbsp (40 g) butter
Filling
- 3 cups (680 g) low fat cottage cheese
- 3 eggs (medium or large)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ⅓ cup (80 g) cream
- 4 tbsp (60 g) sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1 lemon (zested)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or ½ vanilla bean)
Topping
- ½ cup (60 g) raspberries or blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for baking the crust and later the cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust: Roughly process or grind the granola or biscuits. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking pan.
- Melt and Combine Butter: Melt the butter and drizzle it over the granola, mixing until fully incorporated for a cohesive crust base.
- Press Crust: Firmly press the granola mixture with your hands into the base of a 26cm round or 20cm x 28cm rectangular baking tin, creating an even layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the oven for 6-8 minutes until it turns lightly golden brown. Remove immediately to avoid overbaking.
- Prepare Filling: Blend the cottage cheese, eggs, cornstarch, cream, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is homogenous, shiny, and creamy.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the blended filling over the baked crust, then scatter the fresh raspberries or blueberries evenly on top.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 30 minutes until the cheesecake mostly solidifies with a slightly jiggly center and browned edges.
- Chill: Cool the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set before serving.
Notes
- Use low sugar or naturally sweetened granola or biscuits to keep the dessert light.
- The cheesecake is best served chilled after resting to allow flavors to develop and texture to firm up.
- Optional: Substitute berries with your favorite fresh fruits for variety.
- Ensure the cottage cheese is blended to a smooth texture for the best creamy consistency.
- Pressing the crust firmly will help prevent crumbling when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
