Step 1

Adjust the oven rack to the middle position, pre-heat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and line an 8 inch (20cm) springform pan with baking/greaseproof paper (make sure that you line both the bottom and the sides of the pan).

Step 2

Mix together the crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter, until you get a mixture resembling wet sand. Transfer the mixture into the lined springform pan and, using the flat bottom of a glass or measuring cup, compress them into an even layer with an approximately 1 ½ inch (4cm) rim around the edge.Tip: Depending on the type and brand of cookies/biscuits you use, you might need slightly less or slightly more butter than listed in this recipe. Add the butter slowly, mixing well after each addition, until you reach the consistency of wet sand. You want a mixture that somewhat sticks together or holds its shape when pressed together, but it shouldn't feel/look greasy or oily.

Step 3

Bake at 350ºF (180ºC) for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool until warm.

Step 4

Reduce the oven temperature to 285ºF (140ºC).Tip: If your springform pan isn't 100% leak-proof, I recommend that you also get a baking sheet ready to place the cheesecake on it before it goes into the oven. This will catch any small leaks of butter from the cheesecake base, and prevent any smoking or burning at the bottom of your oven.

Step 5

In a large bowl using a balloon whisk, mix the cream cheese and yoghurt together until smooth. Tip: Make sure to MIX rather than whisk or aerate – you don't want to incorporate too much air into the mixture. If you don't want to do this by hand, use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on the lowest speed setting. (I don't recommend using a hand mixer.)

Step 6

Mix the sugar and cornflour/cornstarch together, and add them to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until combined and smooth.Tip: Mixing the cornflour/cornstarch with the sugar before adding them ensures that the cornflour/cornstarch doesn't clump together in the cheesecake filling.

Step 7

Add the vanilla bean paste and mix well until evenly incorporated.

Step 8

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until smooth.

Step 9

Add the melted white chocolate and mix well until combined and smooth.

Step 10

Transfer the white chocolate cheesecake filling into the slightly cooled cheesecake crust and smooth out the top.

Step 11

Bake at 285ºF (140ºC) for about 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the edges are fully set and slightly puffed up, and the middle is still wobbly when you gently shake the baking pan.Tip: This baking time range is merely a guideline – you should always judge the doneness of a cheesecake based on its physical indicators (the wobbliness of the centre, how set the edges are, etc.) rather than on the baking time, especially as each oven behaves slightly differently. You should start checking your cheesecake about 10 minutes before the recommended baking time.

Step 12

Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature in the turned-off oven with the oven door ajar.

Step 13

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the cheesecake into the fridge for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) before removing it from the baking pan. Keep it in the fridge until you're ready to assemble/decorate.

Step 14

Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it out of the springform pan and onto a serving plate. You can serve it as is, or decorate it with white chocolate shavings or fresh fruit (fresh raspberries or strawberries work particularly well).

Step 15

Once decorated, slice and serve.Tip: For extra neat and clean slices, cut the cheesecake with a warm/hot knife. Choose a sharp knife and dip it into very hot water. Wipe it dry, then slice the cheesecake while the knife is still hot/warm. In between slices, dip the knife again in hot water, wipe it off and repeat.

Step 16

The white chocolate cheesecake keeps well in a closed container or tightly wrapped in cling film in the fridge for 4-5 days.