CHOCOLATE ALMOND CHEESECAKE

Chocolate Almond Cheesecake image

My family enjoys a good meal, but we all save room for dessert when this cheesecake is part of the menu. Its rich chocolate flavor is so satisfying when we're craving something sweet and creamy. -Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons baking cocoa, divided
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract, divided
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa and butter. Press onto the bottom of a 9-in. springform pan; chill. , In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, and remaining sugar until smooth. Beat in 1 teaspoon extract and remaining cocoa. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. , Pour into crust. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until the center is almost set. 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., In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and remaining extract; beat until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over cheesecake. Sprinkle with almonds. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 397 calories, Fat 25g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 125mg cholesterol, Sodium 181mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (30g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.