Chocolate-Almond Cheesecake

Step 1

As seen on: Giada's Holiday Handbook, Episode Santa's Grab Bag.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 3

For the crust, add the chocolate graham crackers and the almonds to a food processor. Process until finely chopped. Add the butter and salt and process to the consistency of wet sand. Press the crust into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4

For the topping, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour and almonds. Using your fingers, work in the butter until the mixture has the texture of a crumble topping. Set aside.

Step 5

For the filling, place the cream cheese, sugar and yogurt in a large bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula. Add the eggs, almond extract, vanilla extract and salt; beat another minute on medium. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the chocolate until combined. Pour the filling over the crust and sprinkle evenly with the crumble topping.

Step 6

Bake until the center of the cake is just set, 45 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled.

Step 7

Serve cold, with a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.