๐ฅฅ๐ซ Almond Joy Cheesecake Recipe ๐ฐ
History:
The Almond Joy Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of the popular Almond Joy candy bar with the creamy goodness of cheesecake. While the exact origin of this specific recipe is not well-documented, it’s a creative fusion of American cheesecake and the iconic Almond Joy candy bar, which has been enjoyed since the 1940s.
Components:
To create this delicious dessert, you will need the following components:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups of chocolate cookie crumbs (you can use crushed chocolate graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies)
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of shredded coconut
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 packages (32 ounces total) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup of chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of chocolate ganache (made by melting chocolate and heavy cream)
- Additional shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and mini chocolate chips for garnish
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and shredded coconut. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan to create the crust. You can use the back of a spoon to press it firmly.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
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Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and mini chocolate chips.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
- Tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill the larger dish with hot water to create a water bath. This helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Bake for about 60-70 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
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Cool and Decorate:
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for about an hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
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Final Touches:
- Once the cheesecake is fully set, prepare the chocolate ganache by melting chocolate and heavy cream together. Pour it over the cheesecake.
- Garnish with additional shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and mini chocolate chips to mimic the Almond Joy candy bar.
Enjoy your homemade Almond Joy Cheesecake! ๐
Time Needed:
- Preparation: Approximately 30 minutes
- Baking and Cooling: About 5-6 hours (including refrigeration time)
- Total Time: Approximately 6.5-7.5 hours
This delightful dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving the flavors of an Almond Joy candy bar combined with the rich creaminess of cheesecake. ๐๐ฝ๏ธ
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a slice of Almond Joy Cheesecake (assuming 12 slices per cheesecake):
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 330mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 33g
- Protein: 8g
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes. Cheesecake is generally a high-calorie dessert due to its creamy and rich nature. Enjoy it in moderation as an indulgent treat! ๐ฐ๐