Chocolate Almond Cheesecake Bites Recipes

CHOCOLATE-ALMOND CHEESECAKE BITES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 300°F. Cut 14x12-inch sheet of heavy-duty foil; line 8-inch square pan with foil so foil extends over sides of pan. Spray foil with cooking spray. In small bowl, mix cookie crumbs and butter. Press in bottom of pan.
• In large bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in egg and almond extract, scraping bowl if necessary. Pour over crust.
• Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until edges are set (center will be soft but will set when cool). Cool on cooling rack 1 hour. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour. Meanwhile, cover 2 cookie sheets with waxed paper.
• Remove cheesecake from pan by lifting foil. Cut into 8 rows by 6 rows, making 48 oblong cheesecake bites. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and shortening uncovered on Medium (50%) 3 minutes. Stir; microwave in 15-second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
• Work with half of bites at a time (24 bites); refrigerate other half until needed. Place 1 bite on fork and dip fork into chocolate to coat. Lift fork from chocolate and allow excess chocolate to drain off. Place on 1 waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Repeat with second half of bites and second waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
• In small microwavable bowl, microwave candy coating and oil uncovered on High 1 minute. Stir; microwave in 15-second increments, stirring after each, until melted. Spoon into small resealable food-storage plastic bag. Seal bag; cut tiny hole in corner of bag. Pipe melted coating over dipped bites. Store covered in refrigerator.

CHOCOLATE ALMOND CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa and butter. Press onto the bottom of a 9-in. springform pan; chill. , In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, and remaining sugar until smooth. Beat in 1 teaspoon extract and remaining cocoa. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. , Pour into crust. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until the center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan., In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and remaining extract; beat until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over cheesecake. Sprinkle with almonds. Store in refrigerator.

CHOCOLATE ALMOND CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, almonds and sugar; stir in butter.
• Press onto the bottom and 1 3/4 inches up the sides of a greased 9 inch springform pan.
• Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• In a small saucepan, soften gelatin in milk; let stand for 5 minutes.
• Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin is dissolved.
• Cool to room temperature, about 6 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream and almonds extract until smooth.
• Beat in melted chocolate and gelatin mixture.
• Fold in whipped cream.
• Spoon into crust.
• Cover and chill for 6 hours or overnight.
• Just before serving, run a knife around edge of pan to loosen.
• Remove sides of pan.
• Garnish with chocolate kisses, almonds and additional whipped cream.
• Refrigerate leftovers.

CHOCOLATE-ALMOND CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Special equipment: a 9-inch springform pan
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the crust: Add the chocolate graham crackers and the almonds to a food processor. Process until finely chopped. Add the butter and salt and process to the consistency of wet sand. Press the crust into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• For the topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour and almonds. Using your fingers, work in the butter until the mixture has the texture of a crumble topping. Set aside.
• For the filling: Place the cream cheese, sugar and yogurt in a large bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula. Add the eggs, almond extract, vanilla extract and salt; beat another minute on medium. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the chocolate until combined. Pour the filling over the crust and sprinkle evenly with the crumble topping.
• Bake until the center of the cake is just set, 45 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled.
• Serve cold, with a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.