Matcha Sesame Cheesecake with Rose Filling and Grapefruit Honey Topping

Ingredients:

• Matcha & Sesame Base:
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder
• Rose Filling:
• 16 ounces Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons rose water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• Grapefruit & Honey Topping:
• 1 large grapefruit
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Grease an 8-inch springform pan and set aside.
3. To make the crust, combine graham cracker crumbs, sesame seeds, melted butter, honey, and matcha powder in a medium bowl. Stir until mixture is well combined.
4. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
5. Bake crust for 10 minutes, or until slightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
6. To make the filling, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese, sugar, rose water, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
7. Add eggs, one at a time, while continuing to mix on low speed until just combined.
8. Pour mixture over cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until cheesecake is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.
10. Turn off oven and prop open the oven door with a wooden spoon. Allow cheesecake to cool in the oven for 30 minutes, then remove it from the oven and cool to room temperature.
11. To make the topping, cut grapefruit in half and peel the skin away from the fruit. Segment the fruit and set aside.
12. In a small saucepan, heat honey on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and pour over grapefruit segments. Toss to combine.
13. Arrange grapefruit segments on top of cooled cheesecake and drizzle remaining honey mixture over the top.
14. Chill cheesecake in refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight, before slicing and serving.