Delightful Pumpkin Hazelnut Bliss Cheesecake
Indulge in the rich flavors and creaminess of this Delightful Pumpkin Hazelnut Bliss Cheesecake. This decadent dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin and the nuttiness of hazelnuts with a delightful spiced filling that's perfect for fall celebrations or any special occasion. Created with a crispy ginger snap crust and topped with a luscious sour cream layer, this cheesecake is sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for a festive gathering or as a comforting sweet treat, this recipe is an exquisite way to celebrate the season.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gingersnaps
24 (Crushed)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (Granulated)
Cream Cheese
16 ounces (Softened)
Pumpkin Puree
16 ounces (Canned or homemade)
Eggs
5 (Large, at room temperature)
Brown Sugar
3/4 cup (Packed)
Frangelico Liqueur
1/2 cup (For filling)
Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Clove
1/8 teaspoon (Ground)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (Pure)
Sour Cream
2 cups (For topping)
Confectioners' Sugar
1/4 cup (For topping)
Frangelico
1/4 cup (For topping)
Whole Hazelnuts
10 (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a food processor, combine the crushed gingersnaps and granulated sugar. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground.
3
With the processor running, drizzle in the melted butter and blend until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan.
4
Place the crust in the freezer for 20 minutes to set.
5
In the same food processor, add the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, 1/2 cup Frangelico liqueur, and the spices (cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, clove) along with the vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth and combined.
6
Pour this rich filling into the prepared crust and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7
While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the topping by whisking together the sour cream, confectioners' sugar, and the remaining 1/4 cup Frangelico until smooth.
8
Once the cheesecake has baked for 45 minutes, carefully pour the sour cream mixture over the hot cheesecake. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
9
Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to bubble slightly.
10
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. After it has cooled, refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld and set.
11
To serve, run a small knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it, and gently release the spring-form pan. Transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter.
12
Garnish with dollops of whipped cream and sprinkle whole hazelnuts on top. Allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature for 45 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Delightful Pumpkin Hazelnut Bliss Cheesecake?
This cheesecake features a rich combination of pumpkin, nutty hazelnut (from Frangelico liqueur), and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
What type of crust is used for this pumpkin cheesecake?
The recipe uses a crispy gingersnap crust made from crushed gingersnaps, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
What oven temperature is required for baking the cheesecake?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the gingersnap crust?
Pulse crushed gingersnaps and sugar in a food processor, drizzle in melted butter until crumbly, and press firmly into a 9-inch spring-form pan.
Do I need to bake the crust before adding the filling?
No, the instructions specify placing the crust in the freezer for 20 minutes to set rather than pre-baking it.
What ingredients are used in the cheesecake filling?
The filling consists of softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, Frangelico liqueur, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, the recipe allows for either canned or homemade pumpkin puree.
How many eggs are needed for the filling?
The recipe requires 5 large eggs at room temperature.
How much Frangelico liqueur is used in the cheesecake filling?
You should add 1/2 cup of Frangelico liqueur to the filling mixture.
How long does the main cheesecake layer bake?
The filling should bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes before adding the topping.
What are the components of the cheesecake topping?
The topping is made by whisking together sour cream, confectioners' sugar, and 1/4 cup of Frangelico.
When should I add the sour cream topping?
Apply the topping after the cheesecake has baked for the initial 45 minutes.
How long does the cheesecake bake after adding the topping?
Return it to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the edges begin to bubble slightly.
How should the cheesecake be cooled?
Let it cool completely at room temperature first, then refrigerate it overnight to set properly.
Why does the cheesecake need to be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and ensures the cheesecake texture is fully set.
How do I safely remove the cheesecake from the spring-form pan?
Run a small knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it before gently releasing the spring-form pan.
What garnishes are recommended for this dessert?
The recipe suggests garnishing with dollops of whipped cream and whole hazelnuts.
Should the cheesecake be served straight from the refrigerator?
For the best flavor, allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature for 45 minutes before serving.
How many hazelnuts are used for the garnish?
The recipe calls for approximately 10 whole hazelnuts for the garnish.
What type of sugar is used in the filling versus the topping?
The filling uses packed brown sugar, while the topping uses confectioners' sugar.
What size spring-form pan is required?
A 9-inch spring-form pan is necessary for this recipe.
What is the total amount of cream cheese needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What specific spices are included in the pumpkin filling?
The filling includes ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Can I use a food processor for the filling?
Yes, the instructions suggest using the food processor to blend the filling until completely smooth.
Is Frangelico used in more than one part of the recipe?
Yes, it is used in both the cheesecake filling (1/2 cup) and the sour cream topping (1/4 cup).
How many servings does this recipe yield?
While the metadata indicates '1', a standard 9-inch cheesecake typically serves 12 to 16 people.
What texture should the topping have before applying?
The sour cream, sugar, and Frangelico should be whisked until completely smooth.
Is this cheesecake suitable for holiday celebrations?
Yes, with its pumpkin and spice profile, it is specifically described as perfect for fall celebrations and festive gatherings.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients in total, ranging from the crust components to the garnishes.