Elevated Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Caramel Walnut Topping
Indulge in the luscious layer of this Elevated Goat Cheese Cheesecake, expertly crafted by the artisans at Firefly Farm in Maryland. This dessert features a creamy blend of rich cream cheese and tangy chevre, nestled atop a buttery graham cracker and walnut crust, perfectly complemented by a sumptuous caramel sauce and a generous sprinkle of crunchy English walnuts. Ideal for special occasions or a delightful treat after dinner, this cheesecake requires patience as it cools and chills to achieve its rich and creamy perfection.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
graham cracker crumbs
2 cups (crushed)
English walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
unsalted butter
2/3 cup (melted)
cream cheese
24 ounces (room temperature)
chevre cheese
9 ounces (room temperature (one log))
sugar
1 1/2 cups (granulated)
sour cream
1 cup (room temperature)
eggs
3 (lightly beaten)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (dissolved in cream)
heavy cream
1/3 cup (used to dissolve cornstarch)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
sour cream
1/3 cup (for topping)
chevre cheese
1/3 cup (for topping, room temperature)
honey
3 tablespoons (for topping)
caramel sauce
1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
English walnuts
1 cup (chopped for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, chopped English walnuts, and melted butter. Mix until combined, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Refrigerate the crust until set.
2
In a food processor or stand mixer, blend the room temperature cream cheese and chevre cheese with the sugar and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
3
Gradually add the lightly beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition. Dissolve the cornstarch in the heavy cream and fold it into the cheese mixture along with the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4
Pour the cheesecake filling onto the chilled crust in the springform pan. Bake for approximately one hour, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
5
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a butter knife around the edges to prevent cracking as it cools. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least four hours or overnight.
6
For the topping, mix together the sour cream, room temperature chevre cheese, honey, and caramel sauce until smooth. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread this mixture evenly over the top.
7
Sprinkle the chopped English walnuts over the caramel topping for added texture and flavor. Chill the cheesecake once more until the topping is set.
8
Before serving, you may optionally sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs over the top for decoration. Carefully release the sides of the springform pan, slice, and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elevated Goat Cheese Cheesecake?
It is a rich dessert featuring a blend of cream cheese and tangy chevre goat cheese on a walnut-graham crust, topped with caramel and walnuts.
Who created this cheesecake recipe?
This recipe was crafted by the artisans at Firefly Farm in Maryland.
What kind of crust does this cheesecake have?
The cheesecake features a buttery crust made from graham cracker crumbs and chopped English walnuts.
What size springform pan should be used?
A 10-inch springform pan is required for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the crust?
Mix graham cracker crumbs, chopped walnuts, and melted butter, then press the mixture into the bottom and sides of the pan and refrigerate.
What types of cheese are used in the filling?
The filling uses 24 ounces of cream cheese and 9 ounces of chevre goat cheese.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, both the cream cheese and the chevre should be at room temperature for a smooth blend.
How are the eggs incorporated into the filling?
Three lightly beaten eggs should be added gradually, mixing well after each addition.
How is cornstarch used in this recipe?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is dissolved in heavy cream before being folded into the cheese mixture.
How long does the cheesecake need to bake?
The cheesecake should bake for approximately one hour.
How do I know when the cheesecake is finished baking?
It is done when the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly.
How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking as it cools?
Run a butter knife around the edges of the cheesecake immediately after removing it from the oven.
How long must the cheesecake chill before serving?
It needs to refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
What ingredients are in the caramel topping?
The topping consists of sour cream, chevre cheese, honey, and caramel sauce.
What type of walnuts are recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for English walnuts.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This cheesecake recipe makes 12 servings.
When should the topping be applied?
The topping should be spread over the cheesecake once it has been fully chilled.
Is there a garnish for this cheesecake?
Yes, you can sprinkle chopped English walnuts and optional graham cracker crumbs over the top.
How much honey is used in the topping?
The topping requires 3 tablespoons of honey.
What is the role of sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream is used in both the cheese filling for creaminess and in the caramel topping.
How do I prepare the topping mixture?
Mix sour cream, room temperature chevre, honey, and caramel sauce until the mixture is smooth.
Should the cheesecake be chilled after adding the topping?
Yes, chill it once more after adding the topping and walnuts until the topping is set.
Is this cheesecake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as ideal for special occasions or as a delightful dinner treat.
What flavor profile does the chevre add?
The chevre adds a tangy flavor that complements the rich cream cheese and sweet caramel.
How much total butter is needed?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of melted unsalted butter for the crust.
How much sugar is in the filling?
The filling includes 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
How do I serve the cheesecake?
Carefully release the sides of the springform pan, slice, and enjoy.
What is the texture of the finished cheesecake?
The cheesecake is described as having a rich and creamy perfection.