Ingredients:
- 6 oz (170 g) Wholemeal Biscuits or Graham Crackers, finely crushed
- 2 Tbsp (30 g) Granulated Sweetener (Erythritol or Monk Fruit Blend)
- 3 Tbsp (45 g) Unsalted Butter or Coconut Oil, melted
- 32 oz (900 g) Low-Fat Cream Cheese (Neufchâtel style), room temperature
- 1 cup (240 g) Plain Greek Yoghurt (0% or 2% fat), room temperature
- ¾ cup (150 g) Granulated Sweetener (Erythritol/Stevia Blend)
- 3 Large Eggs, lightly beaten, room temperature
- 1 Egg Yolk (optional), room temperature
- 1 Tbsp (5 g) Lemon Zest
- 2 tsp (10 mL) Vanilla Extract
- 2 Tbsp (15 g) Cornstarch
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F / 160°C (140°C Fan/Gas Mark 3). Combine the crushed biscuits, sweetener, and melted butter/coconut oil. Press firmly into the bottom of the 9-inch springform pan.
- Place the crust in the freezer while preparing the filling. Tightly wrap the base and sides of the springform pan in two layers of heavy-duty foil to prevent water seepage.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese and Greek yoghurt on medium-low speed until completely smooth and free of lumps (about 3 minutes). Scrape down the bowl frequently.
- Gradually add the granulated sweetener, cornstarch, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat only until just combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the eggs (and extra yolk) one at a time, mixing only until the yellow streaks disappear. Do not overmix—excess air causes cracks.
- Pour the filling mixture over the chilled crust. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release large air bubbles.
- Set up the Water Bath (Bain-Marie): Place the foil-wrapped springform pan inside a large roasting tray. Carefully place the tray into the oven, then pour boiling water into the roasting tray until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and slightly puffed, but the center (about a 2-inch circle) still has a slight wobble.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven, but leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This slow cooling prevents surface cracking.
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the water bath and the foil wrapping. Let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature (1–2 hours).
- Once cool, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until thoroughly chilled and firm.
- Slice: Run a thin, hot knife around the edge before releasing the springform. Wipe the knife clean between slices for a sharp finish.