Ingredients
1 package (9 ounces) chocolate wafer cookies, crushed3/4 cup sugar, divided1/2 cup butter, melted2 packages (8 ounces each) plus 3 ounces cream cheese, softened, divided3 large eggs, divided use, room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled1-1/3 cups sour cream, divided1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar1 tablespoon all-purpose flour1/4 cup chopped pecans1/4 teaspoon almond extractCHOCOLATE GLAZE:3 ounces semisweet chocolate2 tablespoons butter1/3 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar1 tablespoon water1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractChopped pecans, optional
Preparation
Place an ungreased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Wrap foil around pan. Combine cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and butter. Press onto the bottom and 2 in. up the sides of prepared pan; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat one 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until fluffy. Add one egg and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla; blend well. Stir in chocolate and 1/3 cup sour cream. Spoon over crust.
In another bowl, beat second 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, brown sugar and flour until fluffy. Add one egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; blend well. Stir in pecans. Spoon carefully over chocolate layer.
In another bowl, beat remaining cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Blend in remaining egg. Stir in remaining sour cream and vanilla. Add almond extract. Spoon carefully over pecan layer.
Bake at 325° for 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside for 30 minutes; open door partway and leave in oven another 30 minutes. Remove from oven; cool completely. Refrigerate at least 8 hours.
For glaze, melt chocolate and butter. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar, water and vanilla until smooth. Remove cheesecake from pan and spread warm glaze over top. Garnish with pecans if desired.
