Mascarpone Cannoli Cheesecake
- Level: Intermediate
- Total: 6 hr 30 min (includes cooling and chilling times)
- Active: 40 min
- Yield: 12 servings
- Level: Intermediate
- Total: 6 hr 30 min (includes cooling and chilling times)
- Active: 40 min
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
8 large dry almond-anise biscotti, or your favorite biscotti
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature
One 8-ounce container mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
3 eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
Italian cherries in syrup, such as Amarena, for serving, optional
Directions
Special equipment:
a 9-inch springform pan- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Pulse the biscotti to fine crumbs in a food processor. Drizzle in the butter, add the salt and pulse until the mixture has the texture of wet sand. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes, until the crust smells toasted and is beginning to brown. Set aside to cool while you make the filling. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula. Add the salt, vanilla and lemon zest; beat on medium speed until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again. Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the center of the cake still moves just slightly.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Run a knife around the edge of the pan before releasing the collar.
- Top each slice of cheesecake with a spoonful of cherries, if using.
