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chocolate cheesecake

Chocolate Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a family favorite.  I always make one for my husband’s birthday (I make two, actually)!  This recipe switches it up a bit; a dark chocolate cookie crust topped with a silky smooth, creamy, rich, chocolate cheese filling.  If you think this description is a mouthful, wait until you taste this dessert!  A simply decadent way to end a meal! 
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Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Chilling Time 12 hrs 30 mins
Total Time 13 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients
  

CRUST:

  • 1½ cups Chocolate Cookie Crumbs** about 30 cookies
  • 6 T Unsalted Butter melted

FILLING:

  • 24 oz Cream Cheese room temperature
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • ½ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1 tsp Vanilla

TOPPING:

  • 1 pint Sour Cream
  • 2 T Granulated Sugar
  • 1½ tsp Vanilla

GANACHE:

  • 4 oz Bittersweet Chocolate cut into pieces ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 350° F.
  • Crust: In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and the melted butter. Stir until the mixture comes together.
    crust mixture being poured into a springform pan
  • Using your fingers, press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 10-inch spring form pan. Set aside.
    pressing the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form a crust
  • Filling: In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and sugar; beat at medium speed until creamy and smooth.
  • Add the unsweetened cocoa power.
    adding the cocoa powder
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each one until combined and smooth. Add the vanilla.
    adding the eggs
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes in a 350° F oven. Remove from oven and cool for cool 30 minutes.
    smoothing the top of the cheesecake
  • Topping: Re-heat oven to 475° F.
  • While the filling of the cheesecake is cooling, in a small bowl, combine from the “Topping” ingredients the sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Stir until combined.
    cream cheese and and egg mixture in a bowl
  • Place the mixture on top of the cooled cheesecake, spreading it out evenly.
    smoothing the topping on to the top of the cheesecake
  • Place the cheesecake in the 475° F oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven.
  • Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream until it is hot and almost boils. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate; make sure all the chocolate is submerged.
    pouring the hot cream over the chocolate
  • Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then whisk vigorously until the chocolate is smooth and silky. Let the chocolate to sit a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
    whisking the chocolate mixture
  • Drizzle the ganache on the top of the cheesecake. (you might not use it all) Let cool, then place in the refrigerator for 12 hours to set and chill completely.
    drizzling the ganache on the cheesecake
  • When ready to serve, remove cheesecake from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving, slice into slices and enjoy.

Notes

TO MAKE CRUMBS
Place cookies in a food processor and pulse until they are the consistency of fine sand.
Tips & Tricks
– Don’t worry if cheesecake cracks, the topping will cover it up!
 

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Hi, welcome – I’m Nancy! I’m a professionally trained chef with a passion for cooking and entertaining. I’ll teach you fun, easy ways to create elegant meals. With recipes inspired by my travels, you can experience flavors of the world in your own home!

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