Description
This luscious Amaretto Cheesecake with Almond Mousse combines a rich, creamy cheesecake flavored with almond extract and amaretto liqueur atop a crisp vanilla wafer crust. Topped with a light, airy almond mousse, this dessert is a perfect balance of rich and delicate flavors, complemented by toasted sliced almonds for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vanilla Wafer Crust
- 2 1/4 cups (302g) vanilla wafer crumbs
- 10 tbsp (140g) salted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp (39g) sugar
Amaretto Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 3 tbsp (24g) all purpose flour
- 1 cup (230g) sour cream
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 5 tbsp (75g) amaretto liqueur
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Amaretto Mousse
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp (270ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 5 tbsp (36g) powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp (45ml) amaretto liqueur
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 6 ounces (169g) cream cheese, room temperature
Garnish
- Sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, melted salted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create an even crust layer. Chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat the room temperature cream cheese with sugar and flour until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, almond extract, and amaretto liqueur, mixing until combined. Gradually add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the filling over the prepared crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 50-60 minutes or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill thoroughly.
- Prepare the amaretto mousse: In a mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, amaretto liqueur, and almond extract until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth, then gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined and mousse is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Spread the amaretto mousse evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Garnish the top with sliced almonds for texture and a decorative finish.
- Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the mousse to firm up. Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts and enjoy this creamy almond-infused dessert.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help achieve a smooth, even batter without lumps.
- Using a springform pan makes removing the cheesecake easier.
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight ensures better flavor development and texture.
- Warm the knife slightly before slicing to get clean pieces without cracking the mousse topping.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.