Chocolate Cheesecake – Rich, Creamy, and Decadent

Indulge in this Chocolate Cheesecake, a rich and creamy dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave chocolate. Its smooth, velvety texture paired with a chocolate crust and glossy ganache makes every bite heavenly. This decadent cheesecake is surprisingly easy to make at home and is sure to impress family, friends, and guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Luxuriously rich, creamy, and chocolatey
• Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or celebrations
• Simple ingredients, easy to assemble at home
• Can be made ahead and stored for several days
• Versatile toppings: chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or berries

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz (225g) semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Ganache Topping

• 4 oz (115g) semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Make Crust: In a medium bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the springform pan and bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
3. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream. Fold in melted chocolate until fully combined.
4. Assemble & Bake: Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake 45–50 minutes, until the center is almost set (slightly jiggly in the middle).
5. Cool & Chill: Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
6. Prepare Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Pour over chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.
7. Serve: Slice cheesecake using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Serve plain or with optional berries or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

• Make ahead: Cheesecake can be baked a day in advance; chill overnight for best texture.
• Toppings: Add fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel for variety.
• Mini cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin to make individual servings; reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
• Avoid cracks: Bake cheesecake in a water bath to prevent cracking.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with coffee or hot chocolate.
• Garnish with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Cut into small slices for parties or buffet tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?

Yes! Use milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier cheesecake, but reduce sugar slightly in the filling if desired.

How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake?

Bake in a water bath and avoid overmixing the batter. Let cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. The filling is naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance and kept in the refrigerator until serving.

Ready to Make It?

This Chocolate Cheesecake is creamy, rich, and indulgent, perfect for any chocolate lover. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this cheesecake will impress every time.

You Might Also Like

• Flourless Chocolate Cake – Rich, fudgy, and naturally gluten-free
• Chocolate Ganache Tart – Smooth, glossy chocolate tart for dessert
• Mint Chocolate Brownies – Fudgy brownies with refreshing mint flavor
• Chocolate Swiss Roll – Light and airy chocolate sponge filled with cream

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