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!
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.
- Using your fingers, press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 10-inch spring form pan. Set aside.
- Filling: In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and sugar; beat at medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Add the unsweetened cocoa power.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each one until combined and smooth. Add the vanilla.
- 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.
- 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.
- Place the mixture on top of the cooled cheesecake, spreading it out evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!