Cottage Cheese Cheesecake | A Creamy, Lighter Twist You’ll Love

This cottage cheese cheesecake is the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and a light, wholesome treat. By blending cottage cheese until velvety smooth, this recipe gives you a satisfying cheesecake that’s rich in flavor but a bit easier on your waistline. With simple steps and familiar ingredients, it’s a dessert you can count on for gatherings, holidays, or just a sweet moment during the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is designed for people who want all the joy of cheesecake without the heavy, dense feeling that sometimes comes with it.

Using cottage cheese makes this dessert naturally lower in fat and higher in protein compared to traditional versions that rely on cream cheese. You won’t miss out on texture or flavor — it still delivers that iconic creamy bite with a gentle tang.

Best of all, the steps are easy to follow, and the result is a slice that tastes homemade in the best way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cottage cheese cheesecake uses everyday ingredients you may already have on hand, and together they create a smooth and flavorful dessert.

For the crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup white sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted

For the filling:

3 cups 4% cottage cheese
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature

Optional toppings:

Fresh fruit such as strawberries or blueberries
Whipped cream
Caramel or chocolate drizzle

Every component plays a role. The crust is crisp and buttery. The filling comes together with cottage cheese and yogurt for a creamy consistency and tang. Lemon zest brightens everything, and the eggs create a stable and rich structure.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Cheesecake

You’ll begin with a basic graham cracker crust, then prepare a filling by blending the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth. After mixing in the rest of the ingredients, the filling is poured over the crust and baked in a water bath to ensure a silky finish.

Once baked and cooled, the cheesecake rests in the fridge to firm up. Serve chilled with toppings of your choice, or enjoy it plain for a simple, satisfying dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Set up your baking pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the crust
In a food processor, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Pulse the mixture until it clumps slightly and resembles moist sand. Press it evenly into the base and sides of the pan, about 1 inch up. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool fully.

Step 3: Blend the cottage cheese
Wash the food processor and add your cottage cheese. Blend it until there are no visible curds and the texture is creamy.

Step 4: Mix the filling ingredients
Pour the blended cottage cheese into a mixing bowl. Add Greek yogurt, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt. Beat together until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Add the eggs
One at a time, add the eggs while mixing at low speed. Be careful not to overbeat. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Set up a water bath
Wrap the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent leaks. Place it inside a larger baking dish.

Step 7: Pour and smooth the filling
Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust. Level the top using a spatula.

Step 8: Bake the cheesecake
Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about 1 inch up the sides of the springform pan. Carefully place the setup in the oven. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the center is slightly wobbly.

Step 9: Cool the cheesecake
Remove from the oven and set the cheesecake on a wire rack. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then run a thin knife around the edge. Cool for another hour at room temperature.

Step 10: Chill thoroughly
Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting time gives it the perfect texture.

Helpful Tips

Always blend the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth. This removes the grainy texture that can occur if the curds remain.

Don’t skip the water bath. It controls the baking temperature, leading to a soft and creamy filling without cracks.

Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake cleanly. For best results, wipe the blade between slices.

Letting the cheesecake chill overnight allows the flavors to deepen and the structure to firm up properly.

Details

Flavor: Sweet and tangy with a bright lemon finish
Texture: Smooth and creamy with a lightly firm base
Occasion: Great for birthdays, brunches, or light holiday desserts
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 45 to 60 minutes
Total Time: Around 9 hours including chilling time

Notes and Variations

Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream if you prefer a milder tang.

Use a different crust base like crushed chocolate cookies or vanilla wafers for a twist.

Try blending in a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate version.

Add a swirl of raspberry jam to the batter before baking for a fruity touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 345mg
Carbohydrates: 37g
Sugar: 29g
Protein: 9g

This estimate is based on 12 slices. Toppings are not included in the calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cottage cheese instead of cream cheese in cheesecake?
Yes, when fully blended, cottage cheese makes an excellent substitute. It provides a creamy texture and mild flavor.

Should I blend cottage cheese before baking?
Absolutely. Blending removes curds and ensures the filling is smooth and consistent.

Is cottage cheese cheesecake healthier than regular cheesecake?
Typically, yes. It contains less saturated fat and more protein, especially when made with low-fat cottage cheese.

What causes a cottage cheese cheesecake to feel grainy?
Graininess comes from unblended curds or overbaking. Blend well and bake gently to avoid this.

Storage Instructions

Store your cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, slice and wrap each piece individually, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

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Conclusion

This cottage cheese cheesecake offers the perfect mix of indulgence and lightness. It’s a smooth, delicious dessert that comes together with just a few wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re baking it for guests or prepping a treat just for yourself, it’s a recipe that feels comforting and refreshing all at once. Try it once and you’ll likely come back to it again and again.

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