Sunday, November 7, 2010

PPQ: Pralined Pumpkin Cheesecake


I've decided that when its Sarah's turn to choose for Project Pastry Queen, she goes big.  Her first choice was the 7th Heaven Chocolate Truffle Cake, and this time she chose the Larger Than Life Praline Cheesecake.

If there is anything I hate, its a short cheesecake.  They just look so puny and sad.  I like for my cheesecake to have some height, and this one certainly does.  Another thing this cheesecake has going for it is outstanding flavor.  Nice and pumpkiny, with lots of great spice.  I also love the gingersnap crust, and the praline topping just puts the whole thing over the top.  I stayed pretty true to the original recipe, but I added a few tablespoons of bourbon.  As far as I'm concerned, adding bourbon is always a good idea.

My friend Michelle had us over for dinner last week, and I offered to bring dessert.  When I suggested pumpkin cheesecake, her response was "Yes, Please!"  We all really enjoyed this, even my pumpkin-hating husband (seriously, who is he?).  Michelle's husband said the flavor was very sophisticated, and I'd agree.  Its a great balance between the spice of the crust, light texture of the cheesecake, and the sweet praline topping.  I left the remaining dessert at their house in order to avoid any problems with self-control, and sure enough, the next day I immensely regretted it.

Check out Sarah's post over at 20 Something Cupcakes for the full recipe, and I highly suggest adding a splash (or 4) of bourbon to the cheesecake batter.  See you next week for biscotti!



16 comments:

the blissful baker said...

this is a beautiful cheesecake! looks incredible!

amanda @ fake ginger said...

Oh my goodness, I'm regretting sitting out now! That looks amazing!

A Bitchin' Kitchen said...

Oh my gosh...it is far too early in the morning for me to be drooling over cheesecake. I need to get this cookbook, stat.

- Maggie

Sarah from 20somethingcupcakes said...

So glad you loved it! And you are so right - go big or go home looks to be my motto! There are just too many over-the-top desserts to choose from. Oh and I love that you added the bourbon. Brilliant!

Joanne said...

Go big or go home sounds good to me! And I think that if you're going to be making cheesecake, it's really the only option. Gorgeous!

Kimberly Peterson said...

This cheesecake looks AMAZING!! Gimme gimme gimmeee I want it nowww!! *drool*

Caroline said...

Oh my god. I'm planning an alternative Thanksgiving menu (my fam doesn't love the traditional stuff...blasphemy, I know) and I think I just found my dessert recipe. Mom loves cheesecake, Dad loves pralines, I love pumpkin. Brother loves anything edible, and I think this definitely qualifies. Thank you!!

Rebeca said...

YUM! This looks incredible :-)

Eliana said...

This is one mighty fine lookin' cheesecake. I'd kill for a big, thick slice right now.

Kathy - Cooking On the Side said...

I actually made one just like this last week - yours came out beautifully! Kudos to you for having the restraint to give it away almost immediately, that gets rid of any guilt. :-)

eatgood4life.blogspot.com said...

This looks awesome, there is nothing better than a home made cheesecake. I have not made one in a while so I might actually try this week, so much to cook and bake :-) I love it......
Best wishes

Gina said...

now this i am excited to make! have you ever made saffron biscotti (cantucini)? it was my first biscotti recipe but it is still my absolute favorite!!

Acquired said...

If I invite you to dinner, will you make this for me too please?

Miss. Tarrah Dame said...

Your pictures are impressive! I made a pumpkin cheesecake myself but did a German version. :)
http://damegoodeats.blogspot.com/2010/11/german-pumpkin-cheesecake.html

nicole said...

I will have to try this. I bought so much canned pumpkin early on since our stores ran out last year, so I need to make something with them and this looks like it will be a hit.

dining table said...

I like the idea of combining cheese and pumpkin! I think this really tastes so great.

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