Ingredients
1¾cupsgingersnaps,ground
⅓cupunsalted butter,melted
pinchsalt
1cupsugar
24ozPhiladelphia Neufchatel Cream Cheese,(3 bricks), low fat, softened
1cupGreek yogurt
2tspvanilla extract
3eggs
1orange,zested
4cupsfresh cranberries,(12 oz bag)
1cupsugar
1cupwater
1orange,zested, topping
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Use a food processor to combine ground gingersnaps, butter, and salt. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool. Reduce oven heat to 325 degrees F.
Once the pan reaches room temperature, carefully wrap the outside of the pan in 2 layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil, being sure that there are no gaps where water could seep through.
Place the pan in a large roasting dish, and bring a tea kettle or pot of water to boil in preparation for the water bath. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed for 3 minutes until smooth. Add the sugar and beat for an additional minute until well blended.
Add the Greek yogurt and vanilla, and beat for an additional minute, stopping partway to scrape the bottom of the bowl with a spatula. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour into crust.
Place the double pans in the oven on a shelf on the bottom third of the oven. Very carefully use a tea kettle to pour the boiling water in the larger pan to form a water bath around the springform pan, so that it comes up about 1-inch around the springform.
Close the oven door, and bake for about 1 hour 30 min, or until the center is almost set.
Turn the oven off, and open the oven door slightly. Let cheesecake set in oven for 1 hour.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven, carefully run a knife around the edges of the cake, and then let cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Bring water and sugar to boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the cranberries, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cranberries have all just popped. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer cranberries to the top of the cheesecake, and sprinkle with the zest of one orange.
Serve and enjoy!
