Almond Cheesecake Recipe ๐ฐ
Overview:
Almond crust and almond flavoring in the cake and topping give this cheesecake its distinct and delightful taste. Crafted over several years of experimentation, this recipe is a culmination of borrowed elements and creative twists. Don’t fret about cracks; the luscious topping is here to save the day. Whether you opt for a fruity finish or stick with the classic sour cream topping, this recipe is a canvas for your culinary imagination. Let’s dive into creating this almond-infused masterpiece!
Recipe Information:
- Name: Almond Cheesecake
- Category: Cheesecake
- Keywords: Dessert, Weeknight, Mixer, For Large Groups, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours
- Servings: 16
- Yield: 1 10-inch cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: 418.4 per serving
- Fat Content: 29.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 15.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 119.9mg
- Sodium Content: 219.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 32g
- Fiber Content: 1.1g
- Sugar Content: 26.3g
- Protein Content: 7.8g
Ingredients:
Filling | Crust | Topping | Fruit Topping |
---|---|---|---|
1 1/4 cups sugar | 1 1/2 cups graham crackers | 1/4 cup sugar | 1 cup sugar |
3 packages cream cheese | 1/4 cup almonds | 1/4 cup brown sugar | 1 tablespoon cornstarch |
4 large eggs | 1/4 cup butter | 2 tablespoons water | 1 cup fruit (of your choice) |
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract | – | 1 teaspoon lemon juice | – |
1 teaspoon almond extract | – | – | – |
4-5 tablespoons white sugar | – | – | – |
Instructions:
-
Filling Preparation:
- Using an electric mixer, cream together 1 1/4 cups sugar and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Beat the mixture for a total of 20 minutes to ensure a silky texture.
-
Crust Creation:
- In the meantime, grind together graham crackers and almonds until finely crumbled.
- Mix in 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup melted butter, combining with your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press this crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
-
Assembly and Baking:
- Pour the prepared filling over the crust in the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
-
Topping Preparation:
- For the topping, mix together 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 4-5 tablespoons white sugar, and 1 cup sour cream.
- Beat the mixture using an electric mixer for about 5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
-
Final Touches:
- Pour the topping over the cooled cheesecake.
- Increase the oven temperature to 450ยฐF (230ยฐC) and bake the cheesecake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
-
Decorating Options:
- Almond Finish: If desired, sprinkle ground almonds or almond slices on top of the cake for a beautiful presentation.
- Fruit Topping: For a fruity twist, prepare the fruit topping.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Add in 1 cup of your chosen fruit (such as berries or cherries) and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
- Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Allow the fruit topping to cool slightly, then pour it over the cheesecake.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish slices with additional fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
- This cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or as a delightful weeknight treat for family and friends.
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 4-5 days.
- Cheesecake can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Chef’s Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite nuts or fruit combinations.
- For a more intense almond flavor, increase the amount of almond extract in the filling.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning for the smoothest cheesecake batter.
- Don’t skip the chilling time after baking; this allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.
Conclusion:
With its rich almond flavor, creamy texture, and versatile topping options, this Almond Cheesecake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether enjoyed plain or adorned with fruit, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor every luscious bite of this homemade delight! ๐โจ