MAPLE-NUT CHEESECAKE

Maple-Nut Cheesecake image

To vary this delicious cheesecake, add cherries to the top, or swirl raspberry jam throughout before it's baked. -Wendy Paffenroth, Pine Island, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons maple flavoring
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
Melted chocolate, optional

Steps:

Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Wrap foil securely around pan., In a small bowl, mix the cracker crumbs, walnuts and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto bottom and 1 in. up sides of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., For filling, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the maple flavoring, extract and lemon zest. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour into crust. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake for 45-55 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove foil. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. , Remove rim from pan. If desired, drizzle cheesecake with melted chocolate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 434 calories, Fat 35g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 146mg cholesterol, Sodium 300mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 8g protein.