Apricot-Pecan Cream Cheese Cake

🍰 Apricot-Pecan Cream Cheese Cake 🍰

History:
The Apricot-Pecan Cream Cheese Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, slightly tart flavor of apricots with the rich, nutty goodness of pecans, all enveloped in a creamy cream cheese filling. The history of this cake is not as well-documented as some other famous desserts, but it likely evolved from the traditions of American and European baking, where cream cheese has been a popular ingredient for centuries.

Components:

1. Crust:

   • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
   • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
   • 1/4 cup sugar
   • 1/2 cup melted butter

2. Cream Cheese Filling:

   • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
   • 3/4 cup sugar
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract

3. Apricot Topping:

   • 1 1/2 cups apricot preserves
   • 1/4 cup water

4. Pecan Garnish:

   • Chopped pecans for decoration

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Prepare Crust:

   • In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, sugar, and melted butter.
   • Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.

3. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling:

   • In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
   • Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan.

4. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

5. Cool:

   • Allow the cake to cool in the oven with the door ajar for about 1 hour.

6. Prepare Apricot Topping:

   • In a saucepan, combine apricot preserves and water.
   • Heat the mixture over low heat until it’s warm and slightly runny.
   • Let it cool a bit, then spread it over the cooled cream cheese layer.

7. Refrigerate:

   • Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

8. Garnish:

   • Before serving, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for an extra nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Time Needed:

• Preparation: Approximately 20-30 minutes
• Baking: 45-50 minutes
• Cooling and Chilling: At least 4 hours

This Apricot-Pecan Cream Cheese Cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat to satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy! 🍰😋👌

Nutrition facts and health information for the Apricot-Pecan Cream Cheese Cake:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 389 kcal
• Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 248mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 31g
• Protein: 5g

Health Information:

1. Moderation: This cake is a delightful treat but should be consumed in moderation due to its relatively high calorie and fat content.

2. Protein: While not a significant source of protein, the cream cheese does provide some.

3. Fiber: The cake is not a high-fiber dessert, but you can increase the fiber content by adding more fruits or nuts to the recipe.

4. Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content is relatively high due to the cream cheese and butter, so it’s wise to enjoy this cake occasionally.

5. Sugar: The cake contains a notable amount of sugar, primarily from the apricot preserves and sugar in the crust. Be mindful of your sugar intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

6. Nutritional Variations: You can make this cake slightly healthier by using low-fat cream cheese or reducing the sugar content. Additionally, using whole-grain graham crackers for the crust can add some whole grains to the dessert.

7. Portion Control: To enjoy this cake without overindulging, consider smaller portions, which can help manage your calorie and sugar intake.

Remember, while this cake may not be the healthiest option, it can still be enjoyed as an occasional treat. Be mindful of your overall diet and exercise routine to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 🍰🍏🏋️‍♂️