ALMOND-TOPPED PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Almond-Topped Pumpkin Cheesecake image

You really must try this luscious cheesecake that my family requests for every holiday dinner. I won a blue ribbon when I entered it at the state fair a few years ago. -Carmel Mooney, Dobbins, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h40m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup finely chopped almonds
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup eggnog
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon each ground ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
TOPPING:
1 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sliced almonds

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, almonds, sugar and pumpkin pie spice; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, eggnog, flour, syrup and spices. Add eggs; beat 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 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set. Let stand for 5 minutes., Combine the sour cream, sugar and vanilla; spread over top of cheesecake. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake 15-18 minutes longer or until almonds are toasted. , 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. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 329 calories, Fat 19g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 101mg cholesterol, Sodium 188mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.