Chocolate-Maple-Walnut Cheesecake

Chocolate, maple and walnut come together in this lavish cheesecake – an elegant dessert that’s perfect for parties. MORE+ LESS-

By Pillsbury Kitchens

Updated December 6, 2010

Ingredients

1 1/2

cups graham cracker crumbs

cup walnut pieces, toasted, finely chopped

1/3

cup butter, melted

(8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

cup maple-flavored syrup

1/4

cup firmly packed brown sugar

tablespoons all-purpose flour

eggs

oz. semisweet chocolate, melted

tablespoon imitation maple flavor

1/2

cup whipping cream

tablespoon maple-flavored syrup

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1

Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, walnuts and butter; mix well. Press in bottom and 1 1/2 inches up sides of ungreased 10-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until set.
2

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese in large bowl at medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in 1 cup syrup, brown sugar and flour until well blended. At low speed, add eggs 1 at a time, beating just until combined. Add melted chocolate and maple flavor; beat until smooth.
3

Remove crust from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Pour cream cheese mixture into crust. Return to oven. Bake at 325°F. for 55 to 65 minutes or until set. Cool on wire rack 30 minutes.
4

Run knife around edges of cheesecake to loosen. Cool 2 hours or until completely cooled. Refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving.
5

Just before serving, in small bowl, beat cream and 1 tablespoon syrup until stiff peaks form. Carefully remove sides of springform pan. Spoon or pipe topping around edge of cheesecake. Cut into wedges.