🍫 Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake with Brown Sugar Meringue 🍰
Ingredients:
For the Cheesecake:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (from about 20 chocolate sandwich cookies)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
For the Brown Sugar Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
5. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and smooth.
6. Fold in chocolate hazelnut spread until evenly incorporated.
7. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the pan.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
9. While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the brown sugar meringue:
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg whites, brown sugar, and cream of tartar.
- Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture is warm (about 3-4 minutes).
- Remove from heat and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form and the mixture has cooled to room temperature.
10. Spread the brown sugar meringue over the baked cheesecake.
11. Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.
12. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
13. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Baking Time: 55-60 minutes | Total Time: Approximately 5 hours | Servings: 12
Indulge in the rich flavors of Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake with Brown Sugar Meringue, a delightful treat for any chocolate lover! 🍫🍰