Layered Hazelnut Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 ounces finely chopped hazelnuts, toasted
• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
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• TOPPING:
• 2/3 cup vanilla or white chips
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the wafer crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla; beat on low speed just until combined.
• Divide batter into thirds. Into one portion, stir in hazelnuts. Pour over crust. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until set. Into second portion, gradually stir in melted chocolate. Spoon over bottom layer. Refrigerate for 45 minutes or until set.
• Spoon remaining batter over top. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• For topping, combine the vanilla chips, water, corn syrup and coffee granules in a saucepan; cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Cool to room temperature. Serve cheesecake with topping; garnish with hazelnuts. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings.

Layered Hazelnut Cheesecake published in Taste of Home August/September 2004, p4-5