Goat Cheese Cheese Cake with Spiced Nilla Wafer Crust

Name: Goat Cheese Cheese Cake with Spiced Nilla Wafer Crust
Yield: serves: 8 to 12
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the pan; 2 cups Nilla wafer crumbs; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 2 grates of fresh nutmeg; Pinch of kosher salt; 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 12-ounce log of goat cheese; 12 ounces sour cream; 4 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

December 9, 2011

My favorite thing about cheesecake is the texture. I like a dry, dense New York–style cheesecake over a light, creamy one. By using goat cheese in addition to cream cheese, this recipe gives me a fabulous texture that’s slightly crumbly, a bit tangy, and has just the perfect hint of sweetness. Add to that a spectacularly spiced crust, and an old classic is totally new and exciting again!

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.