Fruit and Hazelnut Cheesecake

Fruit and Hazelnut Cheesecake Recipe - Made with Neufchatel and Hazelnut Liqueur

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

This Fruit and Hazelnut Cheesecake recipe is a delicious and decadent dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweetness of fresh or canned fruit and the nutty crunch of Oregon hazelnuts. The hazelnut pastry adds a unique and flavorful twist to this classic dessert.

History

Cheesecake has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the dessert dating back to ancient Greece. The addition of hazelnuts and fruit to cheesecake is a modern twist on the traditional recipe, adding depth of flavor and texture to the dish.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) neufchatel cheese
2 eggs
1 cup undiluted evaporated milk
0.5 cup sugar
3 tbsp hazelnut liqueur
2 tbsp flour
3 cup sliced fruit, fresh or canned
2 tbsp apricot preserves
1 tsp water
3 tbsp chopped or sliced Oregon hazelnuts

Pastry

1.25 cup flour
0.25 cup finely chopped Oregon hazelnuts
2 tbsp sugar
0.5 cup chilled butter
1 egg yolk
3 tbsp ice water

How to prepare

1. To make the pastry, combine flour, hazelnuts, and sugar in a medium bowl.
2. Cut in the butter.
3. Beat together the egg yolk and ice water; stir into the flour mixture.
4. Form the mixture into a ball.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
6. Transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie plate; trim and flute the edges.
7. For the filling, place cheese, eggs, milk, sugar, liqueur, and flour in a blender container.
8. Cover and blend until smooth.
9. Pour the filling into the unbaked hazelnut pastry.
10. Bake at 325°F for 40 minutes, or until it tests done.
11. Chill the pie.
12. Layer the fruit over the cheesecake.
13. Stir together the preserves and water; brush over the fruit.
14. Sprinkle with hazelnuts.

Variations

Try using different types of fruit, such as berries or peaches, for a unique twist on this recipe.
Substitute almond or walnut liqueur for the hazelnut liqueur for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the cheesecake before adding the fruit topping to ensure that the filling sets properly.

- Use a high-quality hazelnut liqueur for the best flavor in this recipe.

- Be sure to brush the fruit with the apricot preserves mixture to add a glossy finish to the cheesecake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Fruit and Hazelnut Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blend the cheesecake filling until smooth to ensure a creamy texture.

- Brushing the fruit with the apricot preserves mixture adds a glossy finish to the cheesecake.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers in place of the hazelnut pastry for a different crust.

- If hazelnut liqueur is not available, you can use almond or coffee liqueur as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cheesecake with fresh mint leaves or additional chopped hazelnuts for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Fruit and Hazelnut Cheesecake with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 22g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of calcium and vitamin A.

Alergens

Contains dairy, eggs, and nuts.

Summary

This Fruit and Hazelnut Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fat and calories, but also provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin A.

Summary

This Fruit and Hazelnut Cheesecake is a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweetness of fruit and the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. Perfect for a special occasion or a sweet treat any day of the week.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that my dear Aunt Martha had given me years ago. The pages were yellowed and worn, a testament to the many delicious meals that had been created from its contents. As I flipped through the pages, a picture of a decadent fruit and hazelnut cheesecake caught my eye. The creamy cheese filling was studded with juicy berries and crunchy hazelnuts, a perfect combination of flavors and textures. I knew I had to try making it for myself.

I had always been passionate about cooking, thanks to my mother who taught me the basics when I was just a young girl. As I grew older, I learned new techniques and flavors from friends, family, and even strangers. Each recipe I collected held a special place in my heart, a memory of the person who had shared it with me. And now, this fruit and hazelnut cheesecake was about to join the ranks of my cherished recipes.

I gathered all the ingredients I would need and set to work in my cozy kitchen. The cheesecake batter came together easily, a smooth blend of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. I carefully folded in the chopped hazelnuts and fresh berries, their vibrant colors creating a beautiful contrast against the creamy white filling. As I poured the mixture into the prepared crust, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. This cheesecake was going to be something special.

I slid the cheesecake into the oven and watched as it baked to perfection, the sweet aroma of fruit and nuts filling the air. When it was finally done, I set it aside to cool and eagerly awaited the moment when I could take my first bite. As I sliced into the cheesecake and lifted a forkful to my mouth, I knew that I had struck gold. The creamy filling was rich and velvety, the hazelnuts adding a delightful crunch, and the berries bursting with juicy sweetness. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds, leaving me utterly satisfied.

Over the years, I made this fruit and hazelnut cheesecake many times, each one as delicious as the last. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who were always eager to taste my latest creation. Some of them even added their own twist to the recipe, swapping out the berries for peaches or the hazelnuts for almonds. But no matter how it was made, the cheesecake always brought joy and delight to those who indulged in it.

As I grew older, my collection of recipes continued to expand, each one a cherished memory of the people and places that had influenced my love for cooking. But the fruit and hazelnut cheesecake remained a constant favorite, a reminder of the first time I saw the recipe and knew that it would become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of baking bread and simmering soups, I can't help but smile as I think back on all the delicious meals I have created over the years. And as I reach for a slice of fruit and hazelnut cheesecake, I am filled with gratitude for the recipe that started it all. It may have been just a simple dessert, but to me, it was a gateway to a lifetime of culinary adventures and treasured memories.