Shakin & Bakin Foodie Blog

“Thanksgiving is an occasion for loved ones to spend quality time with one another and indulge in delicious food,” said Craig Nielsen, CEO, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. “Everyone, even those with certain diet preferences, can appreciate our new spins on classic desserts. In these recipes, Nielsen-Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and Pure Mexican Vanilla Extract add rich sweetness and enhanced flavor to everyone’s favorite fall treat: pumpkin.”

In the Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe below, Nielsen-Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract enlivens the subtle taste of pumpkin with robust vanilla flavor. Gluten-free ginger snap cookies and cinnamon add hints of spice to the sweet dessert. Made with almond flour, the cheesecake will delight guests desiring gluten-free desserts without sacrificing rich taste.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Serves 10

Crust

4 ounces all natural gluten-free ginger snaps
½ cup finely ground almond meal/flour
2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1½ cups sugar
1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
2½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 (15-ounce) can 100% pure pumpkin
¼ cup Irish cream liqueur

Place oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350⁰F. Tightly wrap the outside of a light-colored non-stick 9-inch springform pan with heavy foil, making sure the foil has no openings. Lightly coat with cooking spray and line the pan bottom with parchment paper.

In a bowl of a food processor, add ginger snaps, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt; process until mixture is a fine crumb. In a medium bowl, melt butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds then add crumb mixture and stir to combine. Evenly press into the bottom of the springform pan. Place the prepared springform pan inside a roasting pan; set aside.

While preparing pumpkin filling, begin heating a large saucepan of water. Heat enough water so when poured into the roasting pan it will rise half way up the side of the springform pan. This creates a hot water bath, which is an ideal way to bake a cheesecake.

In a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and salt. Beat with a handheld mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Reduce speed to medium-low; add eggs one at a time and beat after each addition. Then add the pumpkin and liqueur; beat until combined. Pour batter over crust.

Pour hot water into roasting pan and transfer to oven. Bake until done, about 1½-1¾ hours. Carefully remove roasting pan from oven and set aside to slightly cool. Remove springform pan from water bath; remove foil and cool on a wire rack. Chill in refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 4 hours. Remove outer ring from springform pan and lightly cover with plastic wrap; chill for several more hours or overnight. Transfer Pumpkin Cheesecake to a cake stand. If desired, serve with whipped
cream.

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas also offers a full line of Pure Flavors: Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract, Pure Peppermint Extract, Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water. All Nielsen-Massey products are All-Natural, Allergen-Free, and certified Kosher and Gluten-Free. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, with production facilities in Waukegan and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. www.nielsenmassey.com