Gingersnap-Pear Cheesecake

from Real Simple magazine

• Ready In: 5 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 8-12

Ingredients

• 6  tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1⁄2 cups  gingersnaps, crushed (about 40 cookies)
• 2  small pears, ripe (any kind)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 16  ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1⁄4 cups granulated sugar
• 2  large eggs, at room temperature
• 3  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1  cup sour cream, at room temperature

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F
2. In a medium bowl, combine the butter and crushed gingersnaps. Press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan, working the crumbs over the bottom and then up the sides. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, toss the pears and ginger. Line the cooled crust with the pears, overlapping the slices slightly.
4. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium, beat the cream cheese for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of the sugar and beat for 2 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and mix until combined. Stir in 2 teaspoons of the vanilla. Pour the mixture over the pears. Bake until the top is barely set but still slightly wobbly, about 50 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack but leave oven on.
5. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and the remaining sugar and vanilla. Pour over the cheesecake and bake for 8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.