Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 15 ounce pumpkin puree canned
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar 
• 2 large egg whites at room temperature
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons flour all-purpose
• 8 sheets honey graham crackers 
• 0.3 cup granulated sugar 
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 0.5 cup brown sugar light packed
• 12 ounces one-third less fat cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 
• 1 tablespoon butter unsalted melted
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
• 0.7 cup percent yogurt plain low-fat greek-style

Equipment

• food processor
• bowl
• frying pan
• paper towels
• oven
• knife
• wire rack
• blender
• hand mixer
• roasting pan
• spatula
• springform pan

Directions

1. Position the oven racks in the center and lower third of your oven. Fill a roasting pan about half full with water and place on the lower rack. This will create a moist environment for the cheesecake and help prevent cracking. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Put the graham crackers and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar in the bowl of a food processor and grind until fine.
3. Add the butter and 2 tablespoons water and pulse until moistened. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake until set and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely.
5. Combine the cream cheese, brown sugar, the remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar and salt in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
6. Add the yogurt, eggs and egg whites, reduce the mixer speed to low and continue to beat until blended.
7. Add the pumpkin, flour, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat until just combined. Stir with a spatula a few times to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated and to release any air bubbles in the batter that could cause the cheesecake to crack.
8. Pour the batter over the crust and rap the pan against the countertop a few times to bring any trapped air bubbles to the surface.
9. Place the cheesecake on the center rack in the oven.
10. Bake until just set and the center wiggles slightly, 50 to 60 minutes. Turn the oven off and crack the door open.
11. Let sit in the oven for 15 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Run a thin sharp knife between the cheesecake and the pan to release the sides. Cool completely, and then chill until cold, at least 4 hours or overnight.
12. Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and release the sides of the pan. Allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature, 30 to 60 minutes. If the top of the cake appears wet, blot with a paper towel to dry. Dust with the confectioners' sugar.
13. Per serving: Calories: 225; Total Fat 9 grams; Saturated Fat: 1 gram; Protein: 6 grams; Total carbohydrates: 30 grams; Sugar: 21 grams Fiber: 2 grams; Cholesterol: 34 milligrams; Sodium: 154 milligrams