HONEY PEAR CHEESECAKE

Honey Pear Cheesecake image

We grow pear trees, so I'm always dabbling in pear desserts. In this cheesecake, I sometimes add ¼ cup crystalized ginger for zing. -Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h55m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies (about 30)
1/4 cup sugar
4 to 6 tablespoons butter, melted
FILLING:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup honey, divided
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
3 peeled and chopped medium pears (about 1-1/2 cups), divided
1/3 cup golden raisins
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325°. Securely wrap a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square) around and under a greased 9-in. springform pan. In a bowl, combine crushed gingersnaps and sugar; stir in 4 tablespoons butter, adding more as necessary. Press onto bottom and 1-1/2 in. up sides of prepared pan., Beat cream cheese until fluffy, gradually adding 2/3 cup honey, lemon juice and minced ginger root. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Fold in 1 cup chopped pears and raisins. Pour into crust. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. hot water to larger pan. Bake until center is just set and top appears dull, 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours. Remove from oven; remove springform from water bath. , Cool cheesecake on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove foil. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled. Remove rim from pan., In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add remaining honey and pears; cook and stir until pears are tender. Stir in pecans. Top cake with pear-pecan mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 552 calories, Fat 36g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 142mg cholesterol, Sodium 374mg sodium, Carbohydrate 54g carbohydrate (40g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 8g protein.