Best Praline Cheesecake Recipes

CARAMEL PRALINE-TOPPED CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. Mix crushed wafers and sugar; stir in melted butter. Press onto bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Arrange vanilla wafers around sides of pan, rounded sides out, pressing gently into crust., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour over crust. Place pan on a baking sheet., Bake until center is almost set, 55-60 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled., Remove rim from pan. In a microwave, melt caramels with milk; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cheesecake; sprinkle with pecans. Freeze option: Wrap individual portions of cheesecake in plastic wrap and place in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Seal bag and freeze. To use, thaw in the refrigerator.

PECAN-PRALINE CHEESECAKE WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• PREPARE THE CRUST::
• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper & wrap the outside of a 10-inch round springform pan with foil.
• In a medium bowl, toss the pecans with 1/2 teaspoon of the butter, 1/2 tablespoon of the granulated sugar, the brown sugar, the cream and salt.
• Spread the nuts on the prepared baking sheet and arrange them, right side up in a single layer.
• Bake for about 18 minutes, until the sugar is caramelized and the pecans are toasted; let cool.
• Transfer all but 12 of the pecans to a food processor.
• Add the graham crackers and pulse until finely ground.
• Add the remaining stick of melted butter and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and pulse until the crumbs are moistened.
• Press the crumbs over the bottom of the pan and two-thirds of the way up the side of the prepared springform pan.
• PREPARE THE FILLING:.
• In a clean food processor, pulse the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, and pulse until incorporated.
• Scrape down the side of the bowl.
• Pulse in the vanilla and sour cream.
• Scrape the batter into the pan and bake in the center of the oven for about 1 hour, until the top of the cheesecake is lightly golden in spots and the center is slightly jiggly.
• Transfer the cake to a rack and let cool completely.
• Wrap in plastic and refrigerate overnight.
• Unwrap the cheesecake and discard the foil.
• Remove the ring and transfer the cake to a plate.
• Arrange the 12 reserved pecans on top.
• Using a warm, slightly moistened knife, cut the cake into wedges, wiping and rewetting the blade between slices.
• Transfer the slices to plates and pour some of the Caramel Sauce on top.
• Serve with the remaining Caramel Sauce.
• *The cheesecake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• PREPARE THE CARAMEL SAUCE:.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the butter with all three sugars and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Cook over moderately high heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add the cream and boil for 2 minutes longer.
• Transfer the caramel sauce to a pitcher.
• Stir in the vanilla and salt and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.
• **The caramel can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
• Whisk to combine before serving.

PRALINE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F.
• Crush 50 wafers finely; mix with 1/4 cup sugar and margarine. Press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Stand remaining wafers around edge of pan, pressing gently into crust to secure.
• Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.
• Bake 45 to 50 min. or until center is almost set. Run small knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate cheesecake 4 hours.
• Microwave caramels and milk in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min. or until caramels are completely melted, stirring every 30 sec. Cool slightly. Pour over cheesecake; top with nuts.

PRALINE CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of a 9-by-9-inch square pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
• In a medium bowl, combine the crumbs, granulated sugar and melted butter and press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside.
• Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F and make the filling.
• Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until fluffy, then add the brown sugar and flour. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla. Fold in the chopped pecans.
• Pour the batter into the crust and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees F and bake until slightly browned on top, an additional 50 minutes. Allow to cool completely, about 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into 9 bars before serving.

PRALINE CRUMB CARAMEL CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. Place cookie mix in bowl; cut in butter using pastry blender or fork until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, 1/4 cup of the caramel topping, vanilla and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
• Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over partially baked cookie base. Sprinkle with reserved crumb topping, pecans and toffee bits.
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup caramel topping. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

PRALINE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Combine cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Set side., Meanwhile, beat cream cheese until smooth in a large bowl. Gradually add brown sugar and flour. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. Stir in chopped pecans. Pour into crust; bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 20 minutes. Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream and pecans.

PRALINE SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, sugar and butter; press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes., Meanwhile, scrub and pierce sweet potatoes; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high until tender, 10-13 minutes, turning once., Place springform pan on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 325°. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and mash; set aside., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in whipping cream, sour cream and mashed sweet potatoes. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake at 325° until center is just set and top appears dull, 65-75 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer., For topping, in a small heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil over high heat; stir in whipping cream. Remove from the heat; stir in pecans., Spoon topping over cheesecake to within 1/2 in. of edge. Cool; refrigerate overnight. Remove side of pan.

CARAMEL PECAN PRALINE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Stir together gingersnaps and 1/4 cup melted butter; press mixture into bottom of a 9-inch sprinform pan.
• Beat cream cheese, sugar, and 2 tablespoons flour at medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, and salt; beat 3 minutes. Pour batter into prepared crust. Set aside.
• Stir together brown sugar, pecans, remaining 1/4 cup flour, and remaining 1/4 cup melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle around edge of cream cheese mixture.
• Bake at 300 for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until center is firm. Turn off oven. Leave cheesecake in oven 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack 30 minutes. Cover and chill 8 hours. Drizzle caramel topping on edge of chilled cheesecake, if desired.
• To make caramel topping, place caramels and whipping cream in a 1-cup microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring halfway through cooking time, until melted.
• Note: Commercial caramel ice-cream topping may be substituted for caramel topping.
• Once cheesecake is sliced, add a dollop of whipped cream, an extra sprinkle of toasted pecans, and drizzle caramel across the top and over sides of each slice.

CHEESECAKE PRALINE SQUARES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, butter, pecans and confectioners' sugar. Press into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 20-24 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the milk, vanilla and lemon zest. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. , Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack., In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and cream. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in pecans and vanilla. Pour over cheesecake. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Cut into squares.

PRALINE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• To Make Crust: Melt butter or margarine in a small saucepan. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/3 cup chopped nuts. Pack into ungreased 9 or 9 1/2 inch springform pan.
• To Make Filling: Beat cream cheese and 1 1/4 cups brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Slowly beat in eggs one at a time, just until blended. Stir in 1 teaspoon rum flavoring, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1/3 cup chopped nuts. Pour filling into pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 55 to 60 minutes, until set. Remove pan to cake rack while you prepare topping.
• To Make Topping: Stir together 1 1/2 cups sour cream, 1/4 cup brown sugar, maple flavoring, and 1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring. Spread over cheesecake. Return to oven, and bake for 10 minutes. Loosen sides of cake. Cool until almost room temperature, then chill for a few hours before serving.

PRALINE CRUMB CARAMEL CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F
• Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. Place cookie mix in bowl; cut in butter using pastry blender or fork until mixture is crumbly, then stir in pecans and toffee bits by hand. Reserve 1 1/2 cups mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes and remove to a rack to cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, 1/4 cup of the caramel topping, vanilla and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
• Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over partially baked cookie base. Sprinkle with reserved crumb topping, pecans and toffee bits.
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup caramel topping. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator until serving.

HAZELNUT PRALINE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• For crust:
• Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°F. Butter 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides. Mix flour, butter and brown sugar in processor until moist clumps form. Press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake until crust is golden, about 25 minutes. Cool. Wrap outside of pan with double layer of heavy-duty foil.
• For filling:
• Reserve 1/2 cup praline for garnish. Grind remaining praline to powder in processor. Beat cream cheese and su gar in large bowl until smooth. Beat in flour, then cream and vanilla. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Fold in praline powder.
• Transfer filling to crust. Place springform pan in roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake until center is just set, about 1 hour 20 minutes.
• Transfer cake to rack. Run small sharp knife around sides of cake to loosen. Cool completely. Remove foil from pan sides. Chill cake overnight. (Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.)
• Release pan sides. Transfer cake to platter. Mound reserved coarsely crushed praline atop center of cake and serve.

PECAN PRALINE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9-inch springform pan.
• For crust, combine cake mix, oil and 1/3 cup pecans in large bowl. Mix well. Press into bottom of pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F.
• For filling, place cream cheese in large bowl. Beat at low speed with electric mixer adding brown sugar and flour gradually. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing only until incorporated. Fold in 1/2 cup pecans. Pour filling onto crust.
• Bake at 450 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees F. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes longer, or until set. Loosen cake from sides of pan with knife or spatula. Cool completely on cooling rack. Refrigerate 2 hours or until ready to serve. Remove sides of pan.
• To serve, brush top with maple syrup. Garnish with pecan halves.

EGGNOG CHEESECAKE WITH HONEY BOURBON PRALINE SAUCE

Steps:

• CRUST.
• Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle position. (If using a pressure cooker, make sure the pan can fit inside your pressure cooker without touching the sides or top.) Cut a parchment circle to fit in bottom of springform pan.
• In a medium bowl, combine cookie crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Blend together with a fork until it is combined. Press crumbs onto the bottom and about half way up the sides of the pan. (Don't worry if the side edges aren't the same height all around, the point is to create a sturdy barrier so the batter won't leak out of the pan.).
• Place crumbed pan into the preheated oven and bake until set and golden brown around the edges, approximately 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• When crust has cooled, place the pan in the middle of a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Pull foil up the sides and press around the outside of the pan to make a waterproof shield for the pan. If planning to bake in the oven, place the springform pan in a large high-rimmed roasting pan and set aside. (It is important to leave some clearance between the springform pan and the roasting pan or between the pressure cooker interior wall and the springform pan.).
• FILLING.
• Use either a stand mixer or a medium-size bowl with a hand mixer. Place softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in the bowl and mix until well blended and smooth.
• Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
• Add the vanilla extract, and slowly add the eggnog while beating at low speed. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
• Pour filling into the cooled crust.
• IF BAKING IN OVEN.
• Make sure oven has preheated to 350°F Boil a pot of water. The filled springform pan should have an aluminum foil bottom cover and be sitting inside a large high-rimmed roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into the outer roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
• Bake for about 40-50 minutes. You want to remove the cheesecake when the cake is slightly "jiggly" in the center.
• Remove from the oven. Leave the cheesecake in the water bath and let set until they are both cooled to room temperature.
• Continue with Step 24.
• IF STEAMING IN PRESSURE COOKER.
• Pour 2 cups water into bottom of 6-quart or larger pressure cooker. Set trivet on top.
• Make 2 4-ply aluminum straps about 1-1/2 inches wide and 28-inches long (you might need to piece together 2 shorter strips by folding it over twice like closing a paper lunch bag). Lay 1 strip across the width of the pressure cooker, then lay the other strip at a 90° angle (as if wrapping a gift).
• Place filled crust (with aluminum foil bottom wrapping) on top. Secure the ends of each aluminum foil strap. (These straps will make it much easier to remove the pan from the pressure cooker after steaming.)
• Secure the pressure cooker lid. Over high heat, bring to high pressure. Reduce heat as low as possible that will just maintain high pressure. From moment high pressure is reached, cook for exactly 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat and allow the pressure to fall naturally. Remove the lid, tilting to direct steam away from you.
• Allow cheesecake to rest 10 minutes while still in the pressure cooker.
• Use aluminum foil straps to carefully pull springform pan from pressure cooker. Place springform pan on wire rack and allow to cool completely. If there is a small pool of condensed water in the middle of the cheesecake, blot with paper towel.
• CHILL.
• Cover the springform pan and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
• To serve, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen edges. Remove outer band, loosen the cheesecake from the base (I leave parchment paper stuck to cheesecake) and transfer to a serving plate.
• Serve cheesecake with praline sauce.
• HONEY BOURBON PRALINE SAUCE.
• In 400°F oven, dry toast coarsely chopped pecans until golden brown (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a shallow pan over medium-high heat, melt butter.
• Add brown sugar to butter, stirring constantly until it, too, is melted and well blended with the butter.
• Stir in the honey, cream, bourbon (or rum or brandy) and toasted pecan pieces. Mix well.
• Cool sauce to room temperature. Pour over chilled cheesecake.

PRALINE CHEESECAKE WITH HAZELNUT CRUST

Steps:

• For Praline:
• Lightly butter cookie sheet. Stir chopped hazelnuts, corn syrup and brown sugar in heavy small saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil mixture until candy thermometer registers 300°F., tilting pan if necessary to submerge end of thermometer, about 10 minutes. Pour praline mixture onto prepared cookie sheet. Let cool. Break praline into 1-inch pieces. Grind finely in food processor. (Praline can be prepared up to 1 week ahead. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate.)
• For Crust:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides. Finely grind graham crackers, hazelnuts and brown sugar in processor. Add butter and Frangelico and process until crumbs are evenly moistened. Press crumb mixture onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool on rack. Maintain oven temperature.
• For Filling:
• Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add yolks 1 at a time, beating after each addition until just blended. Add sour cream, flour, Frangelico and vanilla and beat just until mixture is smooth. Stir in ground praline. Using clean dry beaters, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Fold egg whites into cream cheese mixture in two additions. Pour filling into prepared crust.
• Bake cake until center is just set, about 50 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cake in oven 40 minutes longer.
• Transfer cheesecake to rack and cool to room temperature. Cut around pan sides with small sharp knife to loosen cheesecake. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Release pan sides. Beat whipping cream and 2 tablespoons sugar to firm peaks. Transfer to pastry bag fitted with medium star tip. Pipe rosettes of cream decoratively around edge of cake. Arrange 1 hazelnut atop each rosette. Dust top of cheesecake with cocoa powder. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead; refrigerate.)

CARAMEL PRALINE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Place a greased 10-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan., In a food processor, combine graham crackers and pecans; cover and process until fine and crumbly. Stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Chill for 30 minutes., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the sour cream, flour, milk and vanilla. Add eggs, beating on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake at 325° for 75-80 minutes or until center is almost set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Chill., For topping, in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sugar and water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar begins to melt. Cook without stirring until dark reddish brown, about 15 minutes., Reduce heat to low; gradually whisk in cream. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 225°. Remove from the heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Cool to room temperature., Spread topping evenly over cheesecake (do not scrape sides of pan). Garnish with pecan halves. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan.

WHITE CHOCOLATE PECAN PRALINE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• preheat oven to 350 degrees.In mixing bowl combine graham crumbs and enough melted butter so crumbs come together.Press into bottom of 10" springform pan until it comes about 1"up the sides place in freezer while making the filling. In large mixing bowl beat together cream cheese and suger until smooth add eggs and beat again,add vanilla and flour mixing well fold in nuts and melted white chocolate.Pour filling into crust and bake for 45 minutes or until center is set.Meanwhile combine topping ingredients in a med. saucepan and bring to a slight boil,stirring constantly until mixture is a glaze consistency.For praline heat sugar and water in saucepan over med.high heat util amber in color,place oecans on greased baking sheet pour sugar over pecans and let it set,break into pieces,then grind in food processor store in airtight container in freezer.When cake is cooked alow to cool 10 min.leave in pan and pour glaze over allow to cool and put in fridge over night.When ready to serve remove sides of pan and scatter 3tbsp.pralines over top,pipe with whipped cream and decorate with pecans.place sugar sticks on cake between other toppings

PUMPKIN PRALINE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• In medium bow, stir together all crust ingredients except pecans; press into bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle ½ cup pecans over crust. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
• Heat oven to 300 degrees. Place cream cheese in food processor; process until smooth and creamy. Add pumpkin, 1 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and allspice; pulse to combine. Add eggs two at a time; pulse until well-blended. Add rum; pulse to combine. Cheesecake also can be make with electric mixer. Pour into pan.
• Bake 65 to 75 minutes, or until edges are puffed and top is dry to the touch. Center should move slightly when pan is tapped, but should not ripple as if liquid. Cool on wire rack 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
• Place ½ cup brown sugar and cream in small saucepan; heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 minutes or until thickened (you should be able to see bottom of pan when stirring). Topping will thicken more as it cools.
• Remove from heat, stir in ¾ cup pecans. Let stand until cool, 10-15 minutes. Pour over cheesecake, spreading with spatula. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until set. Store in refrigerator.

HOUSE OF BLUES SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE W/PRALINE SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix the ground pecans and cookie crumbs; add the melted butter and mix well.
• To form the crust, press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• In a mixer, beat the cream or Mascarpone cheese until smooth, then add the sugars and spices and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
• Add the sweet potato purée and mix until just blended.
• Add the eggs one at a time, scraping bowl after each egg.
• Stir in heavy cream at low speed until completely blended.
• Pour the filling into into the pan.
• Put the pan into a 1 to 1/2 inch bain marie, or warm water bath (it's a good idea to wrap the bottom and sides of the springform pan to prevent water from leaking in.) Cook the cheesecake in the bain marie for 50 minutes at 350°F.
• Cool the cheesecake at room temperature for 45 minutes.
• Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
• While the cheesecake is cooling, make the praline sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the brown sugar, cream and pecans.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Keep warm.
• To serve, place each serving a slice of pie onto a dessert plate, then spoon a pool of warm praline sauce over and around each serving.
• Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
• YIELD: 8 servings.

PRALINE-CRUSTED CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Cheesecake: Combine cookie crumbs and butter.
• Press into bottom and up sides of a greased 10-inch springform pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees for approx 8 minutes.
• Cool on a wire rack.
• Sprinkle coarsely crumbled pralines over crust.
• Beat cream cheese at medium speed with a heavy duty electric mixer until creamy.
• Gradually add 1 3/4 cups sugar, flour, and vanilla, beating until smooth.
• Add eggs and egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears.
• Stir in whipping cream and lemon rind.
• Pour in crust.
• Place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
• Bake at 350 degrees on lower oven rack 10 minutes.
• Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees, and bake 1 hour and 20 minutes or until almost set.
• Cool on wire rack 1 hour.
• Stir together sour cream and 1/3 cup sugar; spread over cheesecake.
• Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes.
• Cool on wire rack.
• Cover and chill 8 hours.
• Remove sides of pan.
• Garnish, if desired with pralines.
• Pralines: Butter bottom of a heavy 3-quart saucepan.
• Cook brown sugar and next 3 ingredients in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugars dissolve; stir in pecans.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes or until a candy thermometer registers 238 degrees (soft ball stage).
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in vanilla; let stand 3 minutes.
• Beat with a wooden spoon 3 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken.
• Working rapidly, drop by tablespoonfuls onto wax paper.
• Let stand until firm.