Lemon Yogurt Cheesecake

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Step 2

   Prepare the crust: In a food processor or bag, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Add the brown sugar and salt. Add the melted butter and pulse to combine. If using a bag, add the brown sugar and salt to the bag, reseal and mix, then add the butter and mix again.

3. Step 3

   Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake the crust until golden brown and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. Let the crust cool slightly while you make the filling.

4. Step 4

   Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees.

5. Step 5

   Prepare the filling: Add the cream cheese and granulated sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Zest the lemons directly into the bowl. Mix on medium, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Juice the lemons while the cream cheese is mixing. You should have about ¼ cup juice.

6. Step 6

   Add the yogurt and ¼ cup lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth. Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing until each egg is completely incorporated before adding the next. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Tap the bowl on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles.

7. Step 7

   Pour the filling into the prepared crust, still on the baking sheet, then tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.

8. Step 8

   Bake the cheesecake until set at the edges but still wiggly in the center, 50 to 60 minutes. Turn off the oven, prop the door open and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 20 minutes before removing it and setting it on a rack to cool to room temperature.

9. Step 9

   Refrigerate the cheesecake until completely cool, about 4 hours or overnight. If desired, dollop the cheesecake with whipped cream and garnish with lemon zest before slicing and serving. This cheesecake keeps, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.