Preheat your oven to 350°F. Make sure to set your oven temperature so that the cheesecake bakes evenly. As it heats, prepare your baking pan by spraying an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick spray. This ensures that your cheesecake will come out easily and maintain its beautiful shape.
In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed chocolate graham cracker crumbs and softened butter using a fork or your fingers. You want the mixture to be combined well but not too wet. Once it’s all mixed, press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This will form the delicious crust of your cheesecake.
In another large bowl, gently beat the reduced fat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Using an electric mixer makes this task much easier. Ensure that there are no lumps, as they can affect the texture of the final cake.
Gradually beat in the fat-free Greek yogurt, egg whites, and flour. Be cautious not to overbeat the mixture; you want it to be smooth but not too airy. This is crucial for getting that perfect cheesecake consistency.
Pour the creamy filling over your graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Make sure the filling fully covers the crust for that delightful combination of flavors in every bite.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the center is almost set. Look for a slight jiggle in the middle; this shows that it’s done without being overcooked. You don’t want to lose that creaminess!
Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Patience is key here; letting it cool helps it set correctly. After it’s cooled, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill. This step is essential as it enhances the flavor and texture.
Once chilled, carefully cut the cheesecake into 9 slices. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, and consider warming the knife slightly for ease.
Now for the finishing touch! Melt the Baker's semi-sweet dipping chocolate in the microwave, heating it in 30-second intervals until fully melted and smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate across the top of the cheesecake, creating a beautiful pattern.
Finally, top each slice with 2 fresh raspberries before serving. This not only adds a lovely color contrast but also a burst of fresh flavor that complements the rich cheesecake beautifully.
