Amaretto Cheesecake from Shari Copeland. Holiday Dessert bake-off Christmas Special recipe. 

Ingredients 

1 ½ cups chocolate animal cookie crumbs

1 2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided

6 tablespoons butter softened

3 eight-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup heavy cream

½ cup Amaretto

2 teaspoons pure vanilla, divided

4 large eggs

2 cups sour cream

½ cup slivered almonds toasted

Method 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar and butter, mix and pat into bottom of 9-inch spring form pan, set aside.

Cream together 1/3 cup sugar, heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, Amaretto and cream cheese. Mix well.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

Pour over crust and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, checking after 50 minutes until center is still slightly moist and jiggles.

Remove from oven and let stand on rack. Meanwhile, combine sour cream, 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla together. 

Mix well and pour over the top of cheesecake. Put back in oven and cook additional 5 minutes.

Remove from oven and let stand on rack until cool. 

Refrigerate at least one hour. When ready to serve, remove spring form and sprinkle almonds on top.