Greek Yogurt Cheesecake with Pomegranate Syrup

By danyell923

Recipes & Menus | recipes

Greek Yogurt Cheesecake with Pomegranate Syrup
Greek yogurt lends an unexpected tanginess to this light no-bake cheesecake. Use pomegranate juice that has been flash-pasteurized (such as Pom); fresh juice can turn brown when cooked.

8-10 servings

Recipe by Cynthia Wong

Photograph by Chris Court

November 2012

Ingredients

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 1 1/2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly
• 1/4 cup sugar

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from bonappetit.com

Preparation

Step 1

Coat bottom and sides of pan with nonstick spray. Line bottom with a parchment-paper round. Using your fingertips, mix remaining ingredients in a medium bowl until mixture holds together when pinched tightly. Pack onto bottom of pan in an even layer (using the bottom of a flat measuring cup works well). Chill until firm, at least 1 hour or up to 1 day.

Place gelatin and 1 1/2 tablespoon cold water in a heatproof bowl. Let stand until softened, 5-10 minutes.

Pulse cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt in a food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until completely smooth.

Pour water to a depth of 1/2-inch into a small skillet over medium heat. Place bowl with gelatin in skillet; stir until gelatin dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove bowl from skillet.

With processor running, drizzle gelatin into cream cheese mixture; mix until well blended. Pour into prepared crust. Tap pan firmly on the counter to break up any big air bubbles. Smooth top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 6 hours before serving. DO AHEAD Cheesecake can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

Bring first 3 ingredients to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat; simmer, whisking occasionally, until syrup is thickened, shiny, and measures a generous 1/2 cup, 35-40 minutes. Let cool. DO AHEAD Pomegranate syrup can be made 5 days ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm slightly before serving.

Cut cheesecake into slices, dipping knife into a large glass of warm water and wiping dry between slices, and place on plates. Drizzle pomegranate syrup over and scatter pomegranate seeds around.