Best Nancys Cheesecake Recipes

THE BEST NEW YORK-STYLE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• For the crust: Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
• Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar and salt in a medium bowl until evenly moistened.
• Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.
• Cool completely on a rack. Wrap the bottom and up the sides of the pan with foil and place in a roasting pan.
• For the filling: Add the cream cheese to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until light and fluffy. Gradually add the cream, beating until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the lemon zest and juice, vanilla and salt and beat just until combined, taking care not to over whip. Pour into the crust.
• Bring a kettle of water to a boil. Carefully place the roasting pan in the oven (don't pull the rack out of the oven). Pour enough hot water in the roasting pan to come about halfway up the side of the foil-wrapped springform pan.
• Bake until the top of the cheesecake is lightly browned around the edges, but the center still jiggles slightly, about 2 hours.
• Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan to a rack. Run a knife around the edges and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours and up to overnight.
• Bring the cheesecake to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Remove the springform ring. Dip a knife in warm water and wipe dry before slicing each piece.

NANCY'S FAMOUS CANNOLI CREAM CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan with aluminum foil and spray lightly with baking spray.
• 2. To make crust: Combine 1 cup crushed cannoli shells (use 6 large or 12 mini's to equal approximately 1 1/4 cups, crushed), 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Pat into bottom of prepared pan. Set aside.
• 3. To make filling: In large mixer bowl, using paddle attachment, beat until smooth, 3 packages softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups, plus 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Add in eggs, orange zest, vanilla and ricotta. Mix until well incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter over crust in prepared pan, and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes ( oven temperatures may vary), until filling is set.
• 4. Cool to room temperature, then chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours or overnight.
• 5. Before serving, remove sides from pan, and peel off aluminum foil from bottom and place cheesecake on serving platter or cake plate, Garnish with remaining 1/4 cup crushed cannoli shells,1/4 cups mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar, and additional orange zest, if desired. Store in refrigerator.

NANCY'S BUTTERSCOTCH CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Combine crumbs, the 1/3 cup granulated sugar and the butter or margarine;press into bottom and 2-1/2 inches up sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
• In small saucepan combine pudding mix and the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar;stir in milk.
• Cook and stir til thickened and bubbly.
• Remove from heat; cover surface with clear plastic wrap and cool in refrigerator no more than 20 minutes.
• In large mixer bowl beat cream cheese until fluffy;add eggs and beat til blended.
• Add vanilla and the cooled pudding.
• Blend well.
• Pour into prepared crust.
• Bake in 375 oven for 50 minutes or til knife inserted just off-center comes out clean.
• Combine sour cream, vanilla and powdered sugar;spread atop cheesecake.
• Return to oven for 2 minutes.
• Cool to room temperature.
• Chill in refrigerator at least 8 hours before serving if possible.
• *Cook time reflects chill time*.

CHEESECAKE BALLS

Steps:

• Use a small cookie scoop or a rounded tablespoon to make balls out of the leftover cheesecake. After you scoop out the balls, roll them in your hands to make the rounds neater. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and insert a lollipop stick in the top of each. Squeeze the cheesecake around the base of each lollipop stick to ensure it will stay put. Pop into the freezer for 1 full hour.
• Set up a double boiler by bringing a medium saucepan of water to a simmer. Place a small bowl over the top, making sure the bottom doesn't touch the water. Add the candy melts to the bowl and stir until smooth and melted. Stir in the vegetable oil until smooth.
• Quickly dip the cheesecake balls into the melted chocolate and twirl to coat. You may need a knife to help cover the balls. Sprinkle the cheesecake balls before the chocolate dries with your choice of chopped candy, peanuts or toffee brickle and place back on the baking sheet. Refrigerate to set up, about 5 minutes.