Almond Cheesecake with Dark Chocolate Ganache

Do you like chocolate covered almonds? Well, this Almond Cheesecake with Dark Chocolate Ganache is a layered combination for those prone to buying the addictive little snacks. The crust is a blend of almond and graham crackers. The cheesecake is speckled with flecks of chocolate. The ganache is the final layer of richness elevating the treat to its worthy decadence. Though it may be hard to put down, don’t be greedy! This dessert is ideal for sharing. Enjoy!!

Ingredients

Servings: 16 slices

Prep Time: ~20min + 15min (ganache)

Crust

6 Graham Crackers

1/4 Cup Almond Meal
1 Tsp Cinnamon

1/2 Cup Butter, Unsalted, Melted

Filling

16oz Low-Fat Cream Cheese, room temperature

8oz Condensed Milk
2 eggs 

1/4 Cup Confectioner's Sugar

1/3 Cup Whipping Cream

1 1/2 Tbsp Corn Starch
2 Tsp Almond Extract
2 Tbsp Dark Chocolate Chips, chopped

Topping

2/3 Cup Whipping Cream

1 Tbsp Butter, Unsalted

10oz Dark Chocolate Chips, less 2 Tbsp

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Crust - Mix together the almond meal, graham crackers, cinnamon, and butter. Press into an 8" springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Filling -    Combine all ingredients until well-mixed. In a food processor, finely chop the chocolate chips until small bits. Stir the chocolate bits evenly into the batter. Pour batter into the springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes and reduce heat to 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until center of the cheesecake has set. Remove to cool.

Ganache - On medium heat, warm the whipping cream with the butter. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a medium-sized bowl. Stir gently until chocolate is fully melted. Pour the mixture into the center of the cheesecake. Using a spatula, working the mixture slowly from the center out towards the edges. Allow the cheesecake and ganache to set before serving. Note - Take care to not remove the spoon from the mixture while stirring. 

Note - If you prefer a traditional graham crust, remove the almond meal and use 8 Graham Crackers instead.

Also, for a soft, rich ganache recipe: Rich Chocolate Ganache.