Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Spiced Wafer Crust

Step 1

For the crust: Butter a 9-inch springform pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, wafer crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Stir together until well combined and homogenous. Use your fingers to press the crumb mixture onto the bottom of the pan and about halfway up the sides. Reserve.

Step 2

For the filling: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and goat cheese together until light and fluffy. Add the sour cream and continue beating until combined. Add the sugar and vanilla and begin to beat. Add the eggs one at a time, beating in each until thoroughly mixed before adding the next one.

Step 3

To assemble: Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet and bake until the filling is set, another 25 to 30 minutes. If the filling starts to color, tent the pan with aluminum foil. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool completely before the serving (it continues to set as it cools).

Step 4

The cake will continue to set as it cools, but it's best served after it has been refrigerated overnight and has really firmed up.