WHITE CHOCOLATE PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE WITH ALMOND TOPPING

White Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake with Almond Topping image

This luscious cheesecake from Phyllis Schmalz-Eismann of Kansas City, Kansas belongs on a pedestal. Just pour the spiced pumpkin filling over the delectable gingersnap crust, bake and refrigerate overnight. The final touch is a crunchy almond topping.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h25m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies (about 32 cookies)
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 ounces white baking chocolate, melted and cooled
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
ALMOND TOPPING:
1/2 cup chopped almonds
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon sugar

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Wrap foil securely around pan. Place on a baking sheet., In a small bowl, combine gingersnap crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Bake until set, 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in melted white chocolate. Combine pumpkin and spices; gently fold into cream cheese mixture. Pour over crust. , Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan. Bake until center is just set and top appears dull, 60-70 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with knife; remove foil. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cool. , For topping, combine all the ingredients; spread in a shallow baking pan. Bake until almonds are golden brown, 10 minutes, stirring twice. Cool. Transfer topping to an airtight container; store in the refrigerator., Remove sides of pan. Just before serving, sprinkle topping over cheesecake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 509 calories, Fat 34g fat (19g saturated fat), Cholesterol 119mg cholesterol, Sodium 344mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.