Spiced Vanilla Chai Cheesecake
Indulge in the exotic fusion of comforting chai spices and creamy cheesecake with our Spiced Vanilla Chai Cheesecake. Inspired by the rich flavors of a traditional chai latte, this dessert combines a luscious cream cheese filling with a spiced vanilla chai reduction. Perfect for those cozy evenings, this dessert is sure to captivate your taste buds with its aromatic spices and smooth texture. Whether you're from Oregon or simply a chai enthusiast, this cheesecake will transport you to a world of warmth and indulgence.
12
Servings
350
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nila wafers
1 1/4 cups (pulverized)
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Ground cardamom
1 teaspoon (for crust)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (for crust)
Chai Latte Concentrate
1 cup (reduced to 1/2 cup)
Vanilla
2 teaspoons (none)
Cream cheese
3 packages (8 ounces each) (room temperature)
Eggs
3 large (loosely beaten)
Sugar
3/4 cup (none)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
Ground ginger
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground cardamom
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Simmer 1 cup of Chai Latte Concentrate (such as Oregon Chai or TAZO) over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup. Allow to cool.
3
Combine pulverized Nila wafers, melted butter, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
4
Bake the crust for 12 minutes. Once baked, remove pan and reduce oven temperature to 290°F (145°C).
5
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
6
Add the cooled chai reduction and vanilla; blend until just combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
7
Incorporate the 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves. Taste the mixture and adjust spices if necessary, keeping in mind they will intensify during baking.
8
Gently fold in the beaten eggs by hand until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
9
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Lightly sprinkle additional cardamom on top for extra aroma.
10
Place a baking dish with approximately 1 inch of water on the lower oven rack.
11
Bake the cheesecake on the middle rack for 55 minutes. Then, turn off the oven and crack the door slightly for about 30 seconds to release steam.
12
Close the oven door and let the cheesecake continue to bake in the residual heat for another 55 minutes.
13
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan, allowing it to cool evenly.
14
Transfer the cheesecake to a cooling rack. Cover loosely with an inverted bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
15
Refrigerate the cheesecake until fully chilled. For extended storage, the cheesecake can be frozen.
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
29g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spiced Vanilla Chai Cheesecake?
It is an exotic fusion dessert combining creamy cheesecake with traditional chai spices and a vanilla chai reduction.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What are the primary flavors in this dessert?
The main flavors are chai spices (cardamom, ginger, cloves), vanilla, and creamy cream cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this cheesecake?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What ingredients are used for the crust?
The crust consists of pulverized Nila wafers, melted butter, ground cardamom, and sugar.
How do I prepare the chai latte concentrate for the batter?
Simmer 1 cup of Chai Latte Concentrate over medium heat until it is reduced to 1/2 cup, then allow it to cool.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated for the crust?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) to bake the crust.
What is the baking temperature for the cheesecake filling?
After the crust is baked, the oven temperature should be reduced to 290°F (145°C).
What spices are included in the cheesecake filling?
The filling uses ground ginger, ground cardamom, and ground cloves.
How long does the crust need to bake?
The crust should be baked for 12 minutes.
What type of pan is required for this recipe?
A greased 9-inch springform pan is required.
How should the cream cheese be prepared?
Use three 8-ounce packages of room temperature cream cheese and beat them with an electric mixer until smooth.
How should the eggs be incorporated into the batter?
The eggs should be loosely beaten and then gently folded into the mixture by hand until smooth.
Is a water bath necessary for this cheesecake?
Yes, place a baking dish with about 1 inch of water on the lower oven rack while the cheesecake bakes on the middle rack.
How long does the cheesecake bake actively?
The cheesecake bakes on the middle rack for 55 minutes.
What is the 'residual heat' baking step?
After the initial bake, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for another 55 minutes with the door closed.
How do I release steam from the oven during the process?
Turn off the oven and crack the door slightly for about 30 seconds before closing it for the residual heat stage.
How do I ensure the cheesecake cools evenly?
Run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan immediately after removing it from the oven.
How should the cheesecake be cooled after baking?
Transfer it to a cooling rack, cover loosely with an inverted bowl, and let it reach room temperature.
Does the cheesecake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it should be refrigerated until fully chilled before serving.
Can this cheesecake be frozen?
Yes, for extended storage, the cheesecake can be frozen.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 24 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 29 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does one serving provide?
One serving contains 7 grams of protein.
Which brands of chai concentrate are suggested?
The recipe suggests brands like Oregon Chai or TAZO.
Can I adjust the spice level of the filling?
Yes, you can taste the mixture before adding eggs and adjust spices, but remember they intensify during baking.
What role does cornstarch play in this recipe?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is included in the filling to help provide structure and prevent cracking.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs.
Is there a suggested garnish for the top?
You can lightly sprinkle additional cardamom on top of the batter before baking for extra aroma.
Is this a good recipe for the fall season?
Yes, with its warm spices and comforting chai flavors, it is highly recommended for fall.