Apricot Almond Cheesecake Cake

For the Apricot Cheesecake:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup apricot preserves or jam

For the Almond Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp almond extract
Sliced almonds, for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Make the Almond Cake:
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.

Make the Apricot Cheesecake:
7. In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
8. Add the sugar and beat until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Gently fold in the apricot preserves or jam.

Layer the Cake:
10. Spoon the apricot cheesecake mixture evenly over the almond cake batter in each pan.

Bake:
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center may still jiggle slightly, but it will set upon cooling.

Make the Almond Glaze:
12. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.

Cool and Glaze:
13. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Once completely cooled, drizzle the almond glaze over the top of each cake layer.

Serve:
15. Optionally, garnish with sliced almonds for added texture and visual appeal.

Yield:
This recipe makes a delightful Apricot Almond Cheesecake Cake, perfect for 12-16 servings depending on slice size.

Enjoy this delicious fusion of almond-infused cake, creamy apricot cheesecake, and sweet almond glaze!