Best 20 Sweet Potato Cheesecake Recipes

SWEET POTATO PECAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Place a greased 6-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 12 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan., In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in egg yolk. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Bake at 400° for 10-13 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. , In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sweet potato, sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla until blended. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour onto crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake at 325° for 35 minutes. For topping, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over cheesecake. Bake 15-25 minutes longer or until center is just set and topping is browned., Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Refrigerate leftovers.

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE WITH CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• To make the crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Using a tablespoon, press this mixture into a 10-inch springform pan, and chill for 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake crust for 10 minutes and allow to cool. Butter or spray a pan with vegetable spray.
• To make the cheesecake batter: Raise oven temperature to 450 degrees F.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, place cream cheese. Use paddle attachment and beat until smooth. Continue to mix and add sugar and salt. Add the eggs 1 at a time, then add sour cream, flour, and spices. Lower speed and add sweet potato puree. Pour the batter into crust lined pan. Place a baking pan of hot water under cheesecake pan. Bake for 15 minutes at 450 degrees F, then lower temperature to 250 degrees F and bake an additional 1 1/2 hours or until cake center is firm.
• For candied pecans: Melt the sugar and cook until temperature reaches 310 degrees F. Stir in nuts until completely coated. Pour onto buttered baking pan. Try to keep the nuts in individual pieces or pulse in food processor for praline effect.
• Let the cake cool completely in pan on rack for 30 minutes, then wrap in plastic, still in pan, and refrigerate until completely chilled. Loosen pan sides and remove cheesecake. Carefully slice cake with knife dipped in hot water, then wiped. Garnish with candied pecans.

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Stir flour, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon and the egg yolk mixture to form a ball. Pat about 2/3 rds of the dough on bottom only of 10 inch springform pan (with side removed) to make bottom crust 1/8 inch thick.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until crust just begins to brown around edge.
• Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
• Attach side to pan. Pat remaining dough about 1 inch up inside of pan.
• Beat sweet potatoes, 1 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg and vanilla in medium bowl with electric mixer on low speed until blended; set aside.
• Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar at medium speed about 1 minute or until smooth.
• Beat in sweet potato mixture on low speed about 1 minute until blended.
• Beat in eggs, one at a time.
• Pour batter into springform pan.
• Place springform pan in larger pan.
• Pour very hot water into larger pan to 1/3 the height of springform. pan. Bake 1 hour 30 minutes or until center is set, adding very hot water to larger pan as needed.
• Pecan Crumb Topping.
• Mix flour, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon in small bowl until crumbly. Stir in pecans.
• Sprinkle Pecan Crumb Topping over cheesecake.
• Bake about 30 minutes or until topping is set.
• Cool.

PRALINE SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, sugar and butter; press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes., Meanwhile, scrub and pierce sweet potatoes; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high until tender, 10-13 minutes, turning once., Place springform pan on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 325°. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and mash; set aside., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in whipping cream, sour cream and mashed sweet potatoes. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake at 325° until center is just set and top appears dull, 65-75 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer., For topping, in a small heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil over high heat; stir in whipping cream. Remove from the heat; stir in pecans., Spoon topping over cheesecake to within 1/2 in. of edge. Cool; refrigerate overnight. Remove side of pan.

SWEET POTATO-CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake sweet potatoes until tender, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool slightly, then discard skins and mash flesh with a fork (you should have 1 1/2 cups).
• In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until finely ground (you should have about 2 1/4 cups). Add 1/3 cup sugar, 1 stick butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pulse until combined. Firmly press mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake until crust is dry and set, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 325 degrees.
• Meanwhile, in clean food processor, puree sweet potatoes, ricotta, yogurt, eggs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 3 tablespoons butter and 2/3 cup sugar. Pour into crust and bake until just set in center, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack, 30 minutes, then refrigerate until cold, 1 hour (or overnight). Cut into squares and top with whipped cream.

SWEET POTATO PIE, COCONUT, PECAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• 1. Sweet potato Mixture 2 sweet potatoes: baked (50 minutes and 375'), peeled, mash. Mix sweet potato mixture in a large bowl with the butter, heavy cream, spices, light brown sugar & vanilla. Mix well, taste to your liking and set aside! Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake crust for 10 minutes and allow to cool.
• 2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Using a tablespoon, press this mixture into a 10-inch springform pan, and chill for 30 minutes.
• 3. To make the cheesecake batter: Raise oven temperature to 450 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer, place cream cheese. Use paddle attachment and beat until smooth. Continue to mix and add sugar and salt. Add the eggs 1 at a time, and then add sour cream, flour, and spices. Taste and add spices to your liking.
• 4. Lower speed and fold in sweet potato mixture. Pour the batter into crust lined pan. Place a baking pan of hot water under cheesecake pan. Bake for 15 minutes at 450 degrees F, then lower temperature to 250 degrees F and bake an additional 45 mins or until center is firm.
• 5. Let the cake cool completely in pan on rack for 30 minutes.
• 6. For candied pecans: In a bowl, place pecans, add sugar and butter and Microwave for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and mix well.
• 7. Toasted Coconut: Place stove to medium heat. In a flat cook pan, place coconut all over pan, add granulated sugar all over the top of the coconut. Simple rotate the coconut until light brown and remove from heat.
• 8. Add pecans and coconut as topping after cheesecake has completely cooled. Serve warm for a creamy sweet potato pie, or cooled for the cheesecake experience.

HOLIDAY SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. , In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, butter and sugar. Press onto the bottom and 1-1/2 in. up the sides of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust., In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes with sugar, evaporated milk, butter, egg, vanilla, spices and salt. Spoon over cheesecake batter. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan. Bake at 325° until center is just set and top appears dull, 50-55 minutes., Combine the sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Spread over cheesecake. Bake just until set, 5-10 minutes longer. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes., Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Sprinkle cheesecake with pecans if desired.

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, butter and egg until crumbly. Press onto the bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Place the sweet potatoes, cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, egg and pie spice in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Spread over crust., Bake at 350° until center is almost set, 20-25 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sour cream, vanilla and remaining sugar. Spread over filling. Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over top. Bake just until set, 5-8 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack., Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into bars.

COCONUT-SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• For sweet potatoes:
• Combine first 13 ingredients in large saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered until potatoes are very tender and most of liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes. Transfer mixture to processor; puree until smooth. Whisk egg and cream in medium bowl to blend. Add 2 1/3 cups sweet potato puree and whisk to blend well. Cover and chill sweet potato mixture until cold.
• For crumb coating:
• Butter 10-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 1/2- to 2 3/4-inch-high sides; dust with powdered sugar. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in medium bowl until crumbs are evenly moistened. Press crumb mixture evenly over bottom and up sides of pan (coating will be thin). Chill 30 minutes. (Sweet potato mixture and crumb coating can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover; chill separately.)
• For filling:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sugar in large bowl until smooth. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Add cream of coconut, lemon juice, lemon peel, and vanilla; beat until smooth. Fold in 1 cup flaked coconut and sweet potato mixture. Pour filling into prepared pan.
• Place pan on rimmed baking sheet and bake cake until filling is just set in center, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Transfer cheesecake directly to refrigerator and chill uncovered overnight (center may sink). (Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled.)
• Run small knife between cake and pan sides to loosen cake; remove sides. Place cake on platter. Sprinkle toasted unsweetened coconut over top edge of cheesecake. Serve chilled.
• *Available in the liquor section of most supermarkets.

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Boil the sweet potato until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Cool, peel, mash, and set aside. (Should yield about 1 cup).
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (9-inch) pie plates with thin slices of pound cake. Firmly press into bottom of pans. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar. Mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each. Pour in cream. Mix well. Add mashed sweet potato. Mix well. Stir in lemon extract, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Mix well. Pour into lined pans.
• Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until center is almost set. Remove from the oven and cool at least 1 hour. Remove from pan, if desired, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish as desired.

HOUSE OF BLUES SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE W/PRALINE SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix the ground pecans and cookie crumbs; add the melted butter and mix well.
• To form the crust, press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• In a mixer, beat the cream or Mascarpone cheese until smooth, then add the sugars and spices and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
• Add the sweet potato purée and mix until just blended.
• Add the eggs one at a time, scraping bowl after each egg.
• Stir in heavy cream at low speed until completely blended.
• Pour the filling into into the pan.
• Put the pan into a 1 to 1/2 inch bain marie, or warm water bath (it's a good idea to wrap the bottom and sides of the springform pan to prevent water from leaking in.) Cook the cheesecake in the bain marie for 50 minutes at 350°F.
• Cool the cheesecake at room temperature for 45 minutes.
• Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
• While the cheesecake is cooling, make the praline sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the brown sugar, cream and pecans.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Keep warm.
• To serve, place each serving a slice of pie onto a dessert plate, then spoon a pool of warm praline sauce over and around each serving.
• Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
• YIELD: 8 servings.

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE PIE

Steps:

• Pour pecans into a blender; grind into a meal.
• Whisk pecan meal, 1/3 cup brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt together in a bowl. Rub in butter with your fingers until mixture resembles a coarse meal and a few pea-sized pieces remain. Drizzle beaten egg over butter mixture; mix gently with a fork until dough comes together.
• Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Form dough into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into a 10-inch crust. Transfer to an 8-inch baking dish. Cover crust with a piece of parchment paper; fill with pie weights.
• Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let crust cool.
• Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add sweet potatoes, cover, and steam until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Strain into a bowl; mash until smooth.
• Combine 8 ounces plus 6 ounces cream cheese and 1 cup brown sugar in a bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Beat in mashed sweet potatoes and sour cream. Add cinnamon and ginger.
• Split vanilla bean lengthwise with the tip of a sharp knife. Holding the pod open, scrape seeds from each half using the flat side of your knife. Beat seeds into the cream cheese mixture.
• Pour cream cheese mixture into the cooled crust.
• Bake in the preheated oven until center is set, about 1 hour. Cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE WITH PRALINE TOPPING

Steps:

• Crust:.
• Butter 9-inch springform pan.
• In medium-size bowl, mix crumbs, sugar and salt.
• Drizzle with butter; stir until dry ingredients are evenly moist.
• Pour into prepared pan; pat even layer of crumbs over bottom of pan and up sides.
• Refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
• Filling:.
• In large bowl, using electric mixer, beat cream cheese at medium speed until creamy. Scrape down sides with rubber spatula.
• With mixer running add light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each.
• Blend in sweet potatoes.
• Scrape filling into chilled crust; smooth top.
• Bake at 350 degrees until set, about 40 minutes. Let cool on wire rack.
• Topping:.
• Coarsely chop pecans.
• In small skillet, melt butter.
• Add pecans; sprinkle with sugar.
• Cook, stirring until sugar melts and nuts are toasted and caramel-coated; let cook briefly.
• Spoon mixture around edge of cheesecake.
• Refrigerate until time to serve.

THANKSGIVING SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Prick sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place onto a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until sweet potatoes are easily pierced with a knife, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from the oven and allow to rest, 8 hours to overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Combine graham crackers, walnuts, sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor and blend until crumbly. Incorporate melted butter. Press mixture evenly into a 9-inch springform pan to form a crust.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Let crust cool.
• Place a cake pan filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven to create moisture and prevent cheesecake from cracking.
• Combine baked sweet potatoes, cream cheese, white sugar, brown sugar, lemon extract, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a high-powered blender (such as Vitamix®) and process until smooth. Mix in whole eggs and egg yolks on the lowest speed possible; be careful not to overmix filling.
• Pour filling into crust.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a tester comes out clean and cheesecake just jiggles slightly in the center, about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Leave cheesecake in the oven with the door ajar to allow cheesecake to cool gradually and prevent cracking, about 45 minutes.
• Refrigerate cooled cheesecake for 2 hours before serving.

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE WITH A POUND CAKE CRUST

Steps:

• 1. In a medium saucepan, boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Drain completely, add the melted butter and mash until smooth; set aside. (Should yield at least 1 1/2 cups)
• 2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the pound cake slices into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan; pressing firmly. Set pan aside.
• 3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, using paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium to high speed until fluffy. Gradually add the sugar; scraping sides of bowl. Mix well. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Pour in the heavy cream; mix well. Add the mashed sweet potato, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and salt; blend until well incorporated and no white streaks. Pour mixture into pound cake lined pan.
• 4. Bake for 1 hour, 30 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave cheesecake in the oven for 45 minutes more (without opening the door). Remove from the oven and allow to cool, in the pan, on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Remove the springform, lightly wrap in plastic wrap, and place cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. Just before you're ready to serve, prepare the Praline Topping (if desired). Drizzle or spread the topping over the top of the cheesecake, slice & serve. Enjoy!
• 5. PRALINE TOPPING: In a small heavy saucepan, stir together the brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the corn syrup and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the pecans & vanilla. Cool slightly.
• 6. *NOTE: For the cheesecake you can use light or dark brown sugar (dark brown will just give more of a rich, molasses flavor) -OR- you can substitute 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar for the brown.

RICH SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and pecans together thoroughly. Press into the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan.
• Bake crust in the preheated oven until golden, about 10 minutes. Let cool, about 10 minutes.
• Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Combine cream cheese, brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, and egg yolks in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in flour, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Fold in sweet potatoes. Blend evaporated milk gradually into the batter.
• Pour batter over the cooled crust. Place springform pan in a baking pan. Pour in hot water to a depth of 1 inch.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden, about 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Continue baking until center is firm, about 90 minutes more. Remove pan from the water bath and let cool, at least 1 hour. Chill before serving.

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE IN A GINGERSNAP CRUST

Steps:

• For crust, in a medium bowl stir together the crust ingredients. Press crumb mixture into bottom and 1 inch up sides of buttered 10-1/2-inch springform pan. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes just until color starts to deepen. Remove from oven and set aside. For filling, in a large mixing bowl combine cream cheese and butter; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in sugar, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Add mashed sweet potatoes, nutmeg, and cinnamon; beat to combine. Add bourbon and vanilla. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth. Add eggs, one a t a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Pour filling into prepared crust. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degree F; continue baking for 35 minutes more. Reduce oven temperature again to 250 degrees F, continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes more or until cheesecake is set around the edge and barely jiggles at the center. Remove cheesecake from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 350 degree F. Meanwhile, for topping, whisk together the sour cream, sugar, and bourbon. Carefully spread topping evenly over cheesecake. Bake for 5 minutes more to just set the topping. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Run a thin-bladed knife around the edge of the pan and let cool completely. Cover and chill for several hours. Remove cheesecake from pan. If desired, sprinkle with additional gingersnap crumbs. Makes 16 servings. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare cheesecake as directed and refrigerate, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 48 hours.

TASTY SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Place sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain.
• Transfer sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash. Set aside to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from the heat and mix in graham cracker crumbs. Pat mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
• Combine sweet potatoes and cream cheese (both at room temperature) in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Mix in sugar until incorporated. Add root beer extract and vanilla. Mix in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides and mix a little more. Turn batter out into the crust and smooth the top.
• Bake in the preheated oven until no longer wobbly in the center, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack in a draft-free area until completely cooled, about 1 hour. (Any rapid temperature change will make the cheesecake crack.)

SWEET POTATO MARSHMALLOW SWIRL CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut potatoes in half and place cut side down in a baking dish. Bake until a knife inserted in center goes through easily, about 1 hour. Cool, peel and puree. Combine gingersnap cookies, melted butter and nuts. Press into the bottom of a 9 ½ inch or 10 inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
• 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 packages cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add sugars, sweet potato puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, sour cream and heavy cream. Beat until smooth. Add in 3 eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Pour filling into prepared crust.
• 3. In another mixing bowl, combine 1/2 package cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, vanilla extract, 1 egg and flour, until well mixed.
• 4. Add drops of the marshmallow mixture on top of the cheesecake and swirl gently with a butter knife.
• 5. Fill a pie plate with water and place on the bottom oven rack. Place the cheesecake on the middle rack. Bake for about 1 hour, 10 minutes, or until the center is almost firm. Turn off oven and let cake cool with the door open.

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C ).
• Mix together graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9 1/2-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes; remove from oven and set aside. Keep the oven on.
• Place potatoes in a baking dish. Bake until a knife inserted in center goes through easily, about 1 hour. Cool sweet potatoes enough to handle, peel, and puree.
• Beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons white sugar until smooth. Mix in sour cream, 1/4 cup cream, and 1 1/2 cups sweet potato puree. Beat in eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Pour filling into crust.
• Bake in 350 degrees F (175 degrees C ) oven until a tester inserted near the center comes out clean, about 1 hour (center may still be slightly jiggly).
• Turn off the oven. Let cake stand 1 hour in oven with door ajar.
• Combine brown sugar and 1/4 cup butter or margarine in a heavy small saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat, and bring to a boil. Mix in 1/4 cup cream, then nuts. Pour hot topping over cheesecake. Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator.