Icewine Cheesecake

Whether you are celebrating New Years Eve, a special birthday or anniversary, or even if you just can’t get enough of this liquid gold known as Ice Wine, this cheesecake topped with golden spun sugar is a show stopping dessert.

The Ice Wine Festival is underway in Niagara, and what a celebration it is.

The festivities began in Jordan Village this weekend and move to Niagara On The Lake next weekend! You can read about last years festivities in Niagara On The Lake here.

I don’t think it will be as warm this year, as they are calling for temperatures below zero!  The atmosphere is certainly warm and inviting, with the highlight of the night being a Ice Wine Cocktail competition between all the NOTL wineries!

Now, about this delicious cake…..

….this was my first time making spun sugar, but found it super easy, if not a bit messy!  I did not let it get too golden, as I wanted it to appear more like spun glass!  I think it turned out very well for my first attempt.  And, no burns!!

To keep the overall color of the cake light, I made a crust made of ground almonds.  I think the nutty flavor of the crust compliments the subtle sweet flavor of the icewine cream cheese filling.  The barely sweetened whipped cream adds a nice balance.

This makes such a pretty cake, but a word of warning.  The spun sugar starts to dissolve after a short time. Wait to prepare it no more than about 30 to 45 minutes prior to serving for best results.

If you can’t get to the Icewine Festival this year, I suggest you try your hand at this cheesecake recipe and get in on this “liquid gold” that is sought after the world over!

You can also make this cheesecake with a late harvest vidal, as I did.  Hillebrand Late Harvest Vidal 2012 is an excellent choice.  The late harvest wines are much more budget friendly than ice wine, while still giving you that sweet dessert wine experience.

You can find a great video tutorial on how to make spun sugar here.

Until next time…