Neapolitan Cheesecake

  Desserts

This rich, creamy cheesecake is a crowd-pleasing standout. It has won first-place ribbons at numerous fairs and is my family's favorite dessert. It's an indulgence sure to produce oohs and aahs when served to guests.

Neapolitan Cheesecake

Average Rating: 4.285714

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 35 min. Bake: 70 min. + chilling
YIELD: 14 servings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs (18 wafers)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

  • FILLING:
  • 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 2 ounces white baking chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 1/3 cup mashed frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, well-drained
  • Red liquid food coloring, optional

  • TOPPING:
  • 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons shortening, divided
  • 1 ounce white baking chocolate

Instructions

  • 1. In a small bowl, combine wafer crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom of an ungreased 9-in. springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce heat to 325°.
  • 2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in sugar and cream. Add eggs and vanilla; beat on low just until combined. Divide batter into thirds. Add melted semisweet chocolate to a third. Spread over crust. Add melted white chocolate to another third. Spread over semisweet layer. Stir strawberries and, if desired, a few drops of food coloring into remaining portion. Spread over white chocolate layer. Place pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.
  • 3. Place springform pan in a large baking pan. Fill larger pan with hot water to a depth of 1 in. Bake at 325° for 70-75 minutes or until center is just set. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove foil. Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen; cool for 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
  • 4. For topping, melt semisweet chocolate, butter and 1 teaspoon shortening in a heavy saucepan or microwave; stir until smooth. Cool 5 minutes. Remove sides of pan. Pour melted chocolate mixture over cheesecake. Melt white chocolate and remaining shortening. Drizzle over cheesecake. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 265 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

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