Pines Montessori School
Chef for the Day "Chef Zoe"
15May2026
On the Menu: Cheesecake
The Recipe
Crust
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tbsp melted butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch springform pan Bake 8 minutes, then cool
Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth (important for texture)
Add cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until silky. Pour into pan.
Bake 50–60 minutes. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
Turn oven off, crack the door open, and leave it inside 30 minutes.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Makes about 10–12 slices
Filling
24 oz cottage cheese (small curd works well)
8 oz softened cream cheese
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
¾ cup sugar (or ½ cup if you want less sweet)
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Optional toppings
Fresh strawberries + a drizzle of honey
Blueberries
Cinnamon and crushed pecans
Melted dark chocolate drizzle
Homemade Whipped Cream
Graham Cracker Crust
Cream Cheese Middle
Scraping and Spreading
Just the right amount of vanilla!
Thank you Chef Zoe!
We hope this was a great birthday gift!