Lighter Chocolate Cottage Cheesecake (Print Version)

A rich, creamy chocolate dessert made lighter with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for a high-protein twist on a classic favorite.

# Components:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 2 tbsp coconut oil or melted butter
03 - 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1 tbsp maple syrup

→ Filling

05 - 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
06 - 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar or sweetener of choice
09 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
11 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
12 - 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips, melted and cooled

→ Topping (optional)

13 - 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
14 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
15 - Dark chocolate shavings (to serve)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 340°F. Line the base of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, coconut oil, and maple syrup until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside.
03 - In a food processor or blender, blend cottage cheese until completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes. Add Greek yogurt, eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, cornstarch, and melted chocolate. Blend until silky.
04 - Pour filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top.
05 - Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
06 - Remove from oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until fully set.
07 - Before serving, spread with Greek yogurt topping if desired and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cottage cheese makes it incredibly creamy without that heavy cream cheese brick sitting in your stomach afterward
  • You get that rich chocolate satisfaction but with enough protein to justify it as breakfast (I won't tell)
  • The texture is somehow lighter and silkier than traditional cheesecake, which feels like a happy accident
02 -
  • Don't rush blending the cottage cheese, because any remaining lumps will show up in the final texture
  • The slow cooling in the oven with the door cracked is what prevents those unsightly cracks on top
  • This cheesecake needs proper chilling time to set completely, so make it the day before you plan to serve it
03 -
  • Run a thin knife around the edge of the pan before releasing the springform to help it release cleanly
  • If you want an extra chocolate crust, add another tablespoon of cocoa powder to the crumb mixture
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