White Chocolate & Almond Amaretto Cheesecake
White Chocolate & Almond Amaretto Cheesecake is a smooth, creamy, and decadent dessert combining the velvety sweetness of white chocolate with the warm, nutty aroma of almond amaretto liqueur. Featuring a crunchy toasted almond border and a buttery crumb crust, this cheesecake offers a rich yet refreshingly unique flavor, perfect for special occasions or cozy nights.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free cookies are used for crust)
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients
- 24 oz (680 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 8 oz (225 g) good quality white chocolate
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons almond amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped toasted almonds
- Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers or digestive biscuits into fine crumbs. Mix with melted unsalted butter until the mixture holds together when pressed. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust. Refrigerate to set while preparing the filling.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Gently melt the white chocolate over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a velvety base.
- Incorporate Eggs and Flavors: Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract and almond amaretto liqueur to infuse signature warmth and aroma.
- Blend in Melted Chocolate and Cream: Slowly fold the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture along with sour cream or heavy cream to increase smoothness and richness.
- Add Toasted Almonds: Fold in the roughly chopped toasted almonds evenly throughout the filling to add delightful crunch in each bite.
- Bake and Chill: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and bake at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center gently jiggles. Cool the cheesecake at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight to achieve the perfect texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and smooth batter.
- Do not overbeat the batter to avoid incorporating excess air, which can cause cracks.
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to maintain gentle, even heat and prevent cracking.
- Toast almonds fresh just before adding to maximize nuttiness and crunch.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly, preferably overnight, for optimal texture and flavor development.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: White chocolate cheesecake, almond amaretto cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, toasted almonds, decadent dessert, nutty cheesecake, gluten-free cheesecake