π°πͺπ°π Amaretto Cheesecake With Hazelnut Macaroon Crust ππ°πͺπ°
What is it?
Amaretto Cheesecake with Hazelnut Macaroon Crust is a decadent dessert that combines the rich and creamy goodness of cheesecake with the nutty flavors of amaretto liqueur and hazelnuts. The dessert features a crunchy macaroon crust made with ground hazelnuts, coconut, and amaretto, which provides a delightful contrast to the velvety cheesecake filling.
History:
The exact origin of this dessert is unclear, but it likely emerged as a fusion of Italian and American culinary traditions. Amaretto liqueur, with its almond-like flavor, is commonly associated with Italian cuisine, while cheesecake is a beloved American dessert. Combining the two creates a unique and indulgent treat.
Components:
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Hazelnut Macaroon Crust:
- Ground Hazelnuts
- Shredded Coconut
- Amaretto Liqueur
- Sugar
- Butter
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Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Amaretto Liqueur
- Vanilla Extract
- Sour Cream
Steps to Prepare:
Hazelnut Macaroon Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 Β½ cups of ground hazelnuts, 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1/4 cup of amaretto liqueur, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan to create the crust.
- Bake the crust for about 10-12 minutes or until it becomes lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool.
Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 packages (32 ounces) of cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add 1 Β½ cups of sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
- Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of amaretto liqueur and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Finally, fold in 1 cup of sour cream until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Assembly and Baking:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled hazelnut macaroon crust.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about an hour to prevent cracking as it cools.
- Afterward, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
Total Time:
The total time needed to prepare this Amaretto Cheesecake With Hazelnut Macaroon Crust can range from 6 to 8 hours, including preparation, baking, cooling, and refrigeration. It’s a labor of love, but the delicious result is well worth the effort! πππ°
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amaretto Cheesecake With Hazelnut Macaroon Crust:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 450-500 calories
- Total Fat: 35-40 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18-20 grams
- Cholesterol: 120-140 mg
- Sodium: 300-350 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28-32 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 20-24 grams
- Protein: 6-8 grams
Health Information:
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High in Calories and Fat: This dessert is rich in calories and fat, primarily due to the cream cheese and butter used in the crust and filling. It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content in this dessert can be relatively high, which may not be suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or those looking to limit their saturated fat intake.
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Sugar Content: The sugar content is also significant, mainly from the added sugar and any sugars in the amaretto liqueur. Excessive sugar consumption can have adverse effects on health, so it’s important to consume this dessert in moderation.
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Protein: While cheesecake does contain some protein from cream cheese and eggs, it’s not a significant source of protein.
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Moderation: Enjoying this dessert as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet is advisable due to its high calorie, fat, and sugar content.
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Nut Allergies: Keep in mind that hazelnuts are tree nuts, and if you or anyone consuming the dessert has nut allergies, it should be avoided or made with alternative ingredients.
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Lactose Intolerance: Cheesecake contains dairy in the form of cream cheese and sour cream, which can be problematic for those with lactose intolerance.
Remember that the nutritional values may vary based on the specific recipe and portion size. It’s always a good idea to check the nutrition facts and adapt the recipe to meet your dietary needs if necessary. ππ°π₯