Description
This rich and creamy blueberry vanilla bean cheesecake has a crust made from ground almonds, making it gluten-free. The smooth blend of cream cheese and mascarpone cheese (Italian cream cheese) has a sophisticated flavor that pairs perfectly with a topping of barely-cooked juicy blueberries.
Crust
- 2 Cups slivered almonds
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 Packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 Packages (8 ounces each) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/3 Cups granulated sugar
- 1 Tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Topping
- 4 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 2 Packages (6 ounces each) Driscoll's Blueberries
Crust
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PREHEAT oven to 350°F.
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BUTTER or COAT with cooking spray a 9-inch springform pan.
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PLACE 2 cups slivered almonds into bowl of a food processor.
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ADD 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
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PROCESS mixture until almonds are finely ground.
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ADD 2 tablespoons melted butter.
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PROCESS just until ingredients are combined.
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PACK mixture into bottom of springform pan.
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BAKE until crust is lightly golden and set, about 15 minutes.
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ALLOW crust to cool completely.
Filling
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REDUCE oven temperature to 300°F.
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WRAP springform pan with triple layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil, making sure foil reaches top of pan.
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BRING a large pot of water to boil.
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PLACE two 8-ounce packages cream cheese into bowl of an electric mixer.
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MIX on low speed until cream cheese is completely smooth WHILE SCRAPING down mixer attachments and sides of bowl as needed.
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ADD two 8-ounce packages mascarpone cheese.
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MIX on low speed until mixture is completely smooth WHILE SCRAPING down mixer attachments and sides of bowl as needed.
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ADD 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar.
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MIX on low speed until mixture is completely smooth WHILE SCRAPING down mixer attachments and sides of bowl as needed.
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ADD scrapings from 1 vanilla bean and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
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MIX on low speed until mixture is completely smooth WHILE SCRAPING down mixer attachments and sides of bowl as needed.
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ADD 4 large eggs, one at a time, WHILE MIXING on low speed.
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POUR batter into cooled crust.
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PLACE springform pan into a large roasting pan.
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PLACE roasting pan into oven.
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CAREFULLY FILL roasting pan with boiling water halfway up side of springform pan.
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BAKE 1 hour 30 minutes or until edge of cheesecake is set and center jiggles slightly.
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CAREFULLY REMOVE roasting pan from oven.
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CAREFULLY REMOVE springform pan from roasting pan.
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ALLOW cheesecake to cool completely on a wire rack.
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CHILL cheesecake in refrigerator until cold throughout, 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
Topping
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PLACE 4 tablespoons sugar into a medium saucepan.
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ADD 2 tablespoons water.
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SIMMER over medium-high heat until sugar is dissolved.
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REDUCE heat to medium-low.
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ADD two 8-ounce packages blueberries.
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COOK WHILE STIRRING occasionally until juices release and blueberries soften, about 5 minutes.
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ALLOW berry mixture to cool slightly.
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SPOON blueberry mixture over cooled cheesecake.
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SERVE immediately or store in refrigerator for up to several days until ready to serve.
Calories | 364.12 | |
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Total Fat | 30.72 g | |
Saturated Fat | 14.24 g | |
Cholesterol | 129.19 mg | |
Sodium | 122.87 mg | |
Total Carbohydrates | 19.53 g | |
Dietary Fiber | 1.55 g | |
Protein | 7.56 g |