Apricot Swirl Cheesecake
Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook
I've always loved to cook and try new dishes. But there are just some recipes—like this fancy cheesecake—that I turn to time after time. This is a favorite of family and friends.
—Ardyth Voss, Rosholt, South Dakota
SERVINGS: 12
CATEGORY: Dessert
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 50 min. + chilling
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- Whipped cream and toasted sliced almonds
Directions:
Grease the bottom and sides of a 10-in. springform pan; sprinkle with ground almonds and set aside.
In a saucepan, cook apricots and water for 15 minutes over medium heat or until the water is nearly absorbed and apricots are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in lemon peel; cool slightly. Transfer to a blender; cover and process until smooth and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add flour; mix well. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Beat in cream just until blended. Stir 1 cup into pureed apricots; set aside. Pour remaining mixture into prepared pan. Drop apricot mixture by 1/2 teaspoonfuls over filling. Cut through filling with a knife to swirl apricot mixture. Place pan on a baking sheet.
Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until 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.
In a small saucepan, heat preserves. Press through a strainer (discard pulp). Spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with whipped cream and sliced almonds. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings.