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If you have a serious sweet tooth and adore rich, velvety desserts, you are going to fall head over heels for this decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe. Creamy, luscious, and intensely chocolatey, this cheesecake perfectly balances a crumbly Oreo crust with a silky chocolate filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, this dessert promises to deliver joy with every bite. Trust me, once you try this decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to create a harmonious blend of creamy texture, deep chocolate flavor, and delightful richness. These components work together to build layers of taste and mouthfeel that make every slice unforgettable.
- Crushed Oreo cookies: Provides the crunchy, chocolatey base that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust ingredients and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese: The heart of the cheesecake, lending it its smooth, tangy creaminess.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the chocolate.
- Heavy cream: Adds lusciousness and a velvety texture to the cheesecake.
- Sour cream: Gives a slight tartness that brightens and balances the sweetness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting note.
- Kosher salt: Small but mighty, it elevates all the ingredients, making flavors pop.
- Large eggs and egg yolks: Provide structure and richness to the cheesecake’s dense filling.
- Chocolate chips (melted): Infuse the filling with decadent, melty bursts of chocolate.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a beautiful dark color.
- All-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake, ensuring clean slices.
- Powdered sugar: For the optional dusting or sweet chocolate garnish.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust
Start by crushing about 32 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs—this forms the delicious, chocolatey foundation of your cheesecake. Toss the crumbs with 7 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until everything is well-coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create an even, compact crust. This step ensures a sturdy base that provides a satisfying crunch against the creamy filling.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
Beat 32 ounces of room temperature cream cheese with ⅔ cup granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy for a perfect starting texture. Gradually mix in 1½ cups heavy cream, ⅓ cup sour cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance creaminess and flavor complexity. Add 4 large eggs plus 3 egg yolks one at a time, beating gently to maintain the filling’s luxurious texture. Then, gently blend 1 cup melted chocolate chips along with ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1½ tablespoons flour to saturate every bite with rich chocolate goodness. Finish by stirring in ½ cup softened butter for added silkiness and flavor depth. This step is where all magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a dreamy, chocolate heaven.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Slowly
Pour the filling evenly over your prepared crust, smoothing the top gently. Bake in a preheated oven at a low temperature for about 165 minutes to let the cheesecake set perfectly without cracking. The slow bake ensures a creamy, custard-like consistency, while the outside firms up for clean, elegant slices. Once done, let the cheesecake cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating it overnight to fully develop its flavor and texture.
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
To showcase the decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe in all its glory, consider topping it with a dusting of powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder mixture for a delicate finish. Dark chocolate shavings or a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and a juicy contrast that complements the rich chocolate flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that extra creamy touch. For a refreshing balance, serve alongside a simple fresh fruit salad or citrus segments which brighten the richness of the cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow-worthy presentation, slice the cheesecake into neat wedges and plate each on chilled dessert plates with drizzles of raspberry coulis or salted caramel sauce. You can also serve mini individual cheesecakes in small glasses layered with crushed Oreos and chocolate ganache for an elegant, personalized dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and fully cooled, store any leftover decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the cheesecake fresh and moist for up to five days, giving you plenty of time to indulge without losing that perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this cheesecake by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cheesecake maintains great flavor and texture when thawed slowly in the refrigerator overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for planned celebrations.
Reheating
Since cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, avoid reheating. Instead, bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to soften the texture slightly, ensuring the decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe tastes just as heavenly as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for Oreo cookies for their perfect chocolate flavor and crunch, you can substitute with graham crackers, chocolate wafer cookies, or any cookie you love for a personalized twist on this decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe.
Why do I need to use room temperature ingredients?
Using room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and cream allows them to blend smoothly, resulting in a batter free of lumps and a cheesecake with the best creamy, smooth texture possible in this decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe.
What if my cheesecake cracks on top?
Cracks are a common issue with cheesecakes from overbaking or rapid cooling. To prevent this, bake at a low temperature and let the cheesecake cool gradually. If cracks happen, you can cover them with chocolate ganache or whipped cream to keep the dessert beautiful and delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This version relies on dairy and eggs for that classic texture and flavor. However, with specialty vegan cream cheese, non-dairy creams, and egg substitutes, you could experiment, though it will slightly change the texture and depth of the decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe.
How long does it take for the cheesecake to set properly?
After baking, the cheesecake needs to cool completely and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up to its signature decadence in this chocolate cheesecake recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to create an unforgettable dessert that impresses and delights every guest, you really can’t go wrong with this decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe. It’s a luscious, crowd-pleasing treat that perfectly marries chocolate indulgence with creamy cheesecake comfort. I promise, once you try it, this recipe will claim a permanent spot in your baking repertoire. So go on, bake it tonight and treat yourself to a slice of chocolate heaven.
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Print
Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and creamy Chocolate Cheesecake recipe combines a classic Oreo cookie crust with a luscious chocolate-infused cream cheese filling, finished with a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for any chocolate lover looking for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2â…” cups crushed Oreo cookies (362 grams, from about 32 cookies)
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (99 grams, â…ž stick)
Cheesecake Filling
- 32 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (908 grams, 4 bricks)
- â…” cup granulated sugar (133 grams)
- 1½ cups heavy cream, room temperature (341 grams)
- â…“ cup sour cream, room temperature (76 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (3 grams)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature (200 grams)
- 3 large egg yolks, room temperature (42 grams)
- 1 cup chocolate chips, melted (170 grams)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (42 grams)
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour (11 grams)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113 grams, 1 stick)
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- ¼ cup chocolate chips, melted (43 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (113 grams)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (11 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Start by crushing the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Combine the crushed Oreos with the melted unsalted butter and mix until the crumbs are fully coated. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust. Chill it in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to allow it to set.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well incorporated. Mix in the heavy cream, sour cream, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing gently to prevent excess air from forming. Fold in the melted chocolate chips and sifted cocoa powder, followed by the all-purpose flour. Lastly, blend in the softened unsalted butter until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust in the springform pan. Tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). Bake for approximately 165 minutes (2 hours and 45 minutes), or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when moved. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for an additional hour to cool gradually. This prevents cracking.
- Prepare the chocolate ganache topping: While the cheesecake cools, melt the chocolate chips and combine with the kosher salt, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly to thicken for an easy pour over the cheesecake.
- Finish and chill: Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the top. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set and enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice into 10 equal pieces, and serve chilled. Enjoy your decadent chocolate cheesecake!
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth batter.
- Using a water bath during baking can help prevent cracks, but this recipe is designed to bake without one by gradual cooling in the oven.
- For easier slicing, let the cheesecake rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting.
- Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute the Oreo crust with a graham cracker crust if preferred.
