Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake
User Reviews
4.7
Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake
Description
The Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake combines a buttery chocolate cookie crust with a filling rich in bittersweet chocolate and cream cheese. The crust is pressed into a springform pan and briefly baked to set. Meanwhile, the filling blends room-temperature cream cheese with sugar and cocoa powder before folding in eggs and melted chocolate. After baking, the cheesecake is topped with a whipped cream and chocolate mixture that enhances its smooth, dense texture with a velvety finish and chocolate curls for decoration.
The flavor balances the slight bitterness of quality chocolate with the creamy tang of the cheesecake. The texture is dense yet smooth, a hallmark of well-made baked cheesecake, supported by the sturdy chocolate crust. Baking at moderate heat ensures an even set without cracking.
The cheesecake is best served after chilling overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm. Serving it at room temperature following refrigeration improves its softness and aroma. This dessert suits special occasions or any time a rich chocolate treat is desired.
Planning ahead is necessary due to the overnight chill. The cheesecake can be made fully through the topping stage and refrigerated up to three days in advance. Allowing it to stand at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving enhances its texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 (9-ounce) (9-ounce) package chocolate cookies such as chocolate wafers, graham crackers or teddy grahams
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
Filling:
- 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped (I use Ghirardelli, or semisweet chocolate
- 4 packages packages (8-ounces each) cream cheese room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 4 large egg
Topping:
- ¾ cup whipping cream
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped, or semisweet chocolate
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- chocolate curls for garnish
Instructions
- For crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan with 3-inch-high sides (or use a 10-inch springform pan with 2-inch sides). Process the chocolate cookies in a food processor (or the old-fashioned way with a bag and a rolling pin) until they are finely ground. Transfer them to a small bowl and mix in the sugar. Add the melted butter and mix until well combined. Press the crumbs evenly onto the bottom only of the prepared pan. Bake just until set, about 5 minutes. Cool while preparing filling. Keep the oven heated at 350 degrees.
- For filling: Melt the 10 ounces of chocolate in the microwave or in a double boiler until melted and smooth. Cool the chocolate until lukewarm but ensure that it is still warm enough to be pourable. In a large bowl (or with a stand mixer), blend cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. Blend in eggs one at a time. Mix in lukewarm chocolate. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust; smooth the top. Bake until the center is just set and just appears dry, about 1 hour. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run knife around sides of cake to loosen. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and chill overnight.
- For topping: One hour before serving (or up to 3 days ahead of time), stir cream, 6 ounces chocolate, and sugar in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until smooth. Cool slightly. Pour over the center of the cheesecake, spreading to within 1/2 inch of edge and filling any cracks. Chill until the topping is set, about 1 hour.
- When ready to serve, release the springform pan sides. Transfer the cheesecake to a platter. Top with chocolate curls. It is preferable to let the cheesecake stand at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Plan ahead as this cheesecake needs to chill overnight to set properly.
- You can prepare and refrigerate the entire cheesecake, including the topping, up to three days before serving.
- Before slicing and serving, let the cheesecake stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours for better texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 787 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Slice | |
| Calories | 787kcal | 39% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 56g | 86% |
| Saturated Fat | 32g | 160% |
| Cholesterol | 183mg | 61% |
| Sodium | 473mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 46g | 92% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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