Chocolate Velvet Cheesecake

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Filling

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, melted
• 3 tablespoons almond flavored liqueur
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Combine crumbs, pecans, the 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and butter; press onto bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
2. Bake at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes.
3. Combine cream cheese and brown sugar, mixing at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Blend in chocolate and liqueur; pour over crust.
6. Bake at 325 degrees F for 35 minutes.
7. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees F.
8. Combine sour cream and the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Carefully spread over cheesecake.
9. Bake at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes.
10. Loosen cake from rim of pan. Cool before removing rim of pan.
11. Chill.

Notes

Variation: Substitute 2 tablespoons milk and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for almond flavored liqueur.