PEAR-TOPPED CARAMEL CHEESECAKE

Pear-Topped Caramel Cheesecake image

Sweet pears and rich caramel never tasted better than they do in this pleasing fall cheesecake. The arrangement of sliced pears on top of the dessert is sure to make a stunning impression. -Fay Brown, Wichita Falls, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h50m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies (about 30 cookies)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup dulce de leche
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
2 medium pears, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce heat to 325°., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the sour cream, dulce de leche and cornstarch. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. Arrange pears over top; sprinkle with ginger., Bake at 325° for 65-75 minutes or until center is just set and top of cheesecake appears dull. 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 591 calories, Fat 37g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 176mg cholesterol, Sodium 467mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (36g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 11g protein.