Classic New York–Style Cheesecake

Classic New York–Style Cheesecake

9
Points®
Total Time
1 hr 10 min
Prep
15 min
Cook
55 min
Serves
16
Difficulty
Moderate
This lightened up version of classic New York-style cheesecake tastes just as creamy and delicious as the original. It's so good that it might just become your new go-to favorite. An easy way to crush the graham crackers is to place them in a large zip-close plastic bag, squeeze out the air, and seal the bag. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy saucepan to turn the crackers into fine crumbs.

Ingredients

Reduced-fat graham crackers

8 whole, crushed to crumbs (about 1 1⁄4 cups)

Light corn syrup

1 Tbsp

Light butter

1 Tbsp, melted

Fat free sour cream

1½ cup(s)

Sugar

1 cup(s), divided

Vanilla extract

2 tsp, divided

Low fat cream cheese

16 oz, (Neufchâtel), softened

Egg

2 large egg(s)

Egg whites

2 large

Lemon zest

1 Tbsp, grated (about 2 lemons), plus more for garnish,

Fresh lemon juice

1 Tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the graham crackers, corn syrup, and butter until moistened. Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom of the pan; refrigerate.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the sour cream, 1/8 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla to make the topping. Cover and refrigerate.
  4. To make the cake, in a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until very smooth, about 3 minutes. Gradually add remaining 1 cup sugar, beating until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well blended. Beat in the egg whites, lemon zest and juice, and remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla until blended.
  5. Pour the batter over the crust. Bake until the edge of the cheesecake is set and the center jiggles slightly, 55 – 60 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a rack for 15 minutes. Spoon the sour cream topping over the cake; spread evenly with a narrow metal spatula. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to 2 days. Garnish with lemon zest. Cut into 16 slices.
  6. Per serving: 1 slice