Yield: 8 towers

Elegant Layered Cheesecake Towers with Pomegranate

Imagine hosting a dinner party where your guests are wowed by a dessert that's as stunning as it is delicious—layered cheesecake towers that stand tall like elegant sculptures.

Prep Time30 minutes

Chilling4 hours

Total Time4 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

Pomegranate reduction

• 1 cup 100% pomegranate juice
• 2 tbsp sugar

Cheesecake layers

• 1 packet unflavored gelatin, about 2 1/2 teaspoons
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, lightly whipped

To finish

• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped, plus whole leaves for garnish
• fresh pomegranate arils, for topping

Instructions

1. Reduce the juice. Simmer the pomegranate juice and sugar over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until reduced by half and syrupy. Let it cool.
2. Bloom the gelatin. Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it stand for 5 minutes, then warm gently until melted without boiling.
3. Mix the filling. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, peppermint extract and whipped cream until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Fold in the melted gelatin and divide into three portions.
4. Layer and chill. Spoon one portion into 8 lightly oiled glasses or ring molds and chill for 30 minutes. Add the second layer with a drizzle of reduction and some chopped mint, chill again, then add the final layer.
5. Set and serve. Chill until fully set, about 4 hours in total. Unmold if using rings, then top with the remaining reduction, pomegranate arils and mint leaves.