How to Make Cheesecake

Cheesecake is always a huge pleaser! I know very few people who do not like it. This particular recipe is not New York style – which incorporates sour cream to the cream cheese. This is the traditional cheesecake. It is easy to make and the addition of walnut praline makes it a real star – not to mention addictive! Here is what you are going to need for this:

FOR THE CRUST:
2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup walnuts
½ cup sugar
½ cup melted unsalted butter
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Press them together with your hands to form dough. Press the dough into the bottom of a 9- inch spring form pan. Set aside.

FOR THE PRALINE:
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
2/3 cups dark corn syrup
1/3 cup unsalted butter
2 eggs – lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
½ tsp. salt
• Place all ingredients into a small heavy pot. Mix constantly – on medium heat – until sugar is melted and syrup thickens – about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat when thickened and set aside to cool.

FOR THE FILLING:
4 – 8 oz. packages cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs – room temperature
• Cream the cream cheese and the sugar in a bowl with a mixer. Add the vanilla. Mix well.
• Add the eggs – one at a time – and beat well until they are incorporated into the cream cheese.

ASSEMBLING THE CAKE:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Pour the walnut praline onto the cheese cake crust. Spread evenly.
• Pour the cream cheese filling onto the praline.
• Place the cheese cake into the middle rack of your preheated oven.
• Bake cake for about 50 minutes. Cake will be done when edges are set and middle is slightly soft to the touch.
• Remove cake from oven and loosen up the pan. Cool cake completely.
• Tighten up the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

FOR THE GANACHE:
8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate – chopped
1 TBS butter
1 cup heavy cream
• Place the chocolate and the butter into a bowl.
• Bring the cream to an almost boil – when you start seeing little bubbles.
• Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and butter.
• Whisk until it even and smooth.

FINISHING THE CAKE:
• Remove the cake from the fridge. Carefully loosen the pan and remove the sides.
• Place the cake onto a serving platter.
• Pour the ganache over the cake and smooth out with a spatula.
• Garnish with whole walnuts and serve.
• Enjoy!

Print the Walnut Praline Cheesecake Recipe Here