Delightful Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Recipe
Greek Yogurt Cheesecake is a lighter, creamier version of the traditional cheesecake, incorporating tangy Greek yogurt into the filling. It delivers all the rich and indulgent flavor you love, with a bit less sweetness and a lot more depth, making it the perfect balance of creamy, tart, and delicious.
- Author: Amelia Recipes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (including cooling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, helps with stability)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added flavor)
For the Topping (Optional):
- Fresh fruit (berries, mango, etc.)
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease or line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and Greek yogurt together until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
- If using, add the flour and lemon juice, then mix again until just combined.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 50–60 minutes, or until the center is almost set (it should have a slight wobble).
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour with the door ajar to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracks from forming.
- Cool and Chill:
- Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will help the flavors meld and the texture set.
- Serve:
- Before serving, top with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or extra Greek yogurt if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the graham cracker crust with a gluten-free alternative or crushed nuts.
- You can add a swirl of fruit compote or caramel sauce to the filling before baking for an added flavor twist.
- If you prefer a denser cheesecake, you can add a little more cream cheese and reduce the Greek yogurt slightly.
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