Lemony Greek Yogurt Cheesecake
This recipe should really be called "cheesecake" because it doesn't contain any cream cheese at all. Instead, the main ingredient is healthy Greek yogurt, which is higher in protein and significantly lower in calories and fat. A slice of Junior's classic cheesecake is about 540 calories and 37 grams of fat, for instance. Our version is less than half the calories and contains only 10 grams of fat per serving.
More Recipes: When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Dessert
It's also super easy to whip up. You don't need to mess with a water bath in the oven, and if you have a food processor, you can make both the crust and the filling in less than 20 minutes total (you can also use a blender and hand mixer).
More on Yahoo: The Cheesecake Factory's Secret Fattening Menu
Best of all, it tastes exactly like regular cheesecake-just a light, elegant, and zesty version that won't leave you in a food coma or with a tummy ache after dessert.
Shine Recommends: The Best 8 Greek Yogurts to Buy Right Now
Lemony Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Recipe
(serves 8-10)
Graham Cracker Crust (you can also use a store-bought crust):
1 ½ cups Graham Cracker crumbs (6-8 whole cookies)
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup melted butter (plus 1-2 tsp for preparing pan)
Preheat oven to 300. Break cookies and place in food processor. Pulse until ground into medium-fine crumbs (you can also make crumbs in blender or place crackers in a heavy duty plastic freezer bag and crush with a rolling pin.) Put into medium mixing bowl and stir in butter and sugar. Turn out into a buttered nine-inch springform pan and, using your fingers, press mixture into an even crust along the bottom. You can also use a buttered glass pie plate and form the crumbs into a traditional crust along the bottom and up the sides. Bake for 10-15 minutes until firm and dry. Remove from oven and set on a wire rack.
Lemon Greek Yogurt Filling:
4 eggs
¾ cup sugar
1 tbs. cornstarch
¼ tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups plain Greek Yogurt (whole or 2%)
1 tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. lemon zest
If you used a food processor to make the crust, just wipe it out with a dry paper towel and clean off the blade. Pulse eggs a few times to beat (or use an electric mixer). Pulse in sugar, cornstarch, salt, vanilla, and yogurt until light and slightly bubbly. Add lemon and lemon zest and pulse or beat briefly to incorporate. Pour mixture into prepared crust (its fine if the crust is still warm).
Place in center of oven. Start checking cheesecake after 50 minutes and then every 5-10 minutes after that. Shake pan gently, the filling should look creamy but firm at the edges but still be slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools. Remove from oven and set on a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving.
Optional topping: 2 cups sliced strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or mixed berries tossed with one tablespoon sugar. Let mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour so the berries get nice and juicy. Spoon topping over a slice of cheesecake before serving.
Also on Shine Food:
Chef Puts Cicadas On Menu (Yes, That's a Bug in Your Soup)
