Cherie made this in January 2007 and I think it compares favorably with Sal's chocolate cake. This may be one of the best chocolate desserts you'll ever try.
| 2 cups cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup chopped pecans Praline: 1-1/2 cups butter, cubed 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
Filling: 2 packages (8 oz ea) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar 1/3 cup packed brown sugar Ganache: 1 cup (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream |
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring butter and brown sugar to boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over chopped pecans. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until set.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat filling ingredients until smooth. Spread over praline layer. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until set.
4. For ganache, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with cream; stir until smooth. Cool slightly; spread over filling. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until set. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; remove sides of pan. Garnish with pecan halves. Refrigerate leftovers.
Yield: 14-16 servings.
Calories and fat grams: Don't ask
Source: The Taste of Home, "Praline Chocolate Dessert," https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/praline-chocolate-dessert/