Almond Coffee Cheesecake for Anna

🍰 Almond Coffee Cheesecake for Anna ☕

History:
The Almond Coffee Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee and the nutty goodness of almonds with the creamy goodness of cheesecake. While there isn’t a specific historical account of its origins, it’s safe to say that this delectable treat likely emerged as a creative fusion of various dessert traditions.

Components:
To make this heavenly dessert, you will need the following components:

1. Crust:

   • 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers or almond biscotti crumbs.
   • 1/4 cup of melted butter.
   • 1/4 cup of ground almonds.

2. Filling:

   • 3 packages (8 ounces each) of cream cheese, softened.
   • 1 cup of granulated sugar.
   • 3 large eggs.
   • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
   • 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water.
   • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
   • 1/2 cup of sour cream.

3. Topping:

   • 1/4 cup of sliced almonds.
   • Whipped cream (optional).
   • Chocolate shavings (optional).

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.

2. Prepare the Crust:
   a. In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers or almond biscotti crumbs with melted butter and ground almonds.
   b. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust.

3. Prepare the Filling:
   a. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
   b. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined.
   c. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
   d. Stir in the flour, dissolved coffee granules, and vanilla extract.
   e. Finally, fold in the sour cream until the filling is creamy and well mixed.

4. Assemble and Bake:
   a. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the pan.
   b. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the top.
   c. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
   d. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in for an additional hour to cool gradually.

5. Chill and Serve:
   a. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
   b. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it’s thoroughly chilled and set.
   c. Before serving, you can optionally garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare this Almond Coffee Cheesecake, including baking and chilling, is approximately 6-7 hours. However, the actual hands-on preparation time is around 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy creating this delightful dessert for Anna! 🍰☕🥄

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Coffee Cheesecake:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 380-400
• Total Fat: 29-31 grams
• Saturated Fat: 15-17 grams
• Cholesterol: 110-120 milligrams
• Sodium: 280-300 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 25-27 grams
• Dietary Fiber: Less than 1 gram
• Sugars: 18-20 grams
• Protein: 6-8 grams

Health Information:

1. Calorie Content: The cheesecake is relatively high in calories due to the cream cheese, sugar, and butter in the crust. It’s a rich dessert, so portion control is important if you’re watching your calorie intake.

2. Saturated Fat: The dessert contains a significant amount of saturated fat, mainly from the cream cheese and butter in the crust. High saturated fat intake may contribute to heart health concerns, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

3. Cholesterol: The cheesecake is also relatively high in cholesterol, primarily from the cream cheese and eggs. If you have concerns about cholesterol, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or egg substitutes.

4. Sugar: The sugar content is relatively high due to the granulated sugar and any additional toppings like whipped cream or chocolate shavings. Excessive sugar intake can have various health implications, so it’s wise to enjoy this dessert as an occasional treat.

5. Protein: There’s a modest amount of protein in the cheesecake, mainly from the cream cheese and eggs. Protein is essential for various bodily functions and can help you feel more satisfied after eating.

6. Fiber: The cheesecake is low in dietary fiber. If you’re looking to increase your fiber intake, consider incorporating fiber-rich foods into your overall diet.

7. Portion Size: Given the calorie and fat content, consider smaller portion sizes to enjoy the flavor without overindulging.

8. Customization: You can make this cheesecake slightly healthier by using reduced-fat cream cheese, a sugar substitute, and whole-grain graham crackers for the crust. These substitutions can reduce the overall calorie and fat content.

Remember that while this cheesecake may not be the healthiest option, it’s a delightful indulgence best enjoyed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.