Easy & Dreamy Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Ultimate chocolate cheesecake.

An irresistible chocolate cheesecake reigns supreme in the world of decadent desserts.

Smooth, silky textures combine with intense cocoa depths that melt effortlessly on your palate.

Layers of complex flavors build a symphony of richness that converts ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

Deep chocolate notes intertwine with creamy cheese, creating a luxurious sensation that speaks to comfort and indulgence.

Every forkful promises a delightful journey through culinary bliss that challenges traditional dessert expectations.

The magic lies in its perfect balance of ingredients and technique, crafted to elevate your sweet tooth’s wildest dreams.

What Tastes Best with Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot beautifully complements the deep chocolate flavors, cutting through the creamy cheesecake's richness while enhancing its decadent taste.
• Serve with Espresso Martini: The coffee-infused cocktail echoes the espresso powder in the cheesecake, creating a sophisticated flavor harmony that elevates the dessert's complex chocolate notes.
• Enhance with Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries provide a bright, acidic contrast to the dense, sweet cheesecake, adding a refreshing element that balances the intense chocolate experience.
• Match with Aged Port: A sweet, fortified wine with deep fruit undertones perfectly bridges the chocolate's intensity and the cheesecake's creamy texture, offering a luxurious tasting experience.

Delicious Chocolate Cheesecake Variations to Explore

• Mocha Marble Masterpiece: Swirl espresso-infused batter into the chocolate base before baking, creating beautiful marbled patterns throughout the cheesecake.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Dream: Drizzle rich homemade salted caramel sauce over the ganache, adding a luxurious sweet-salty contrast to the chocolate cheesecake.
• Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fusion: Fold fresh raspberry puree into the filling and top with raspberry coulis, complementing the deep chocolate flavor with bright fruity notes.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Heaven: Mix crushed hazelnuts into the crust and garnish with hazelnut praline, introducing a nutty crunch and depth to the classic chocolate cheesecake.

Reasons to Love Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake

• Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Layers: This cheesecake offers an intense chocolate experience with multiple chocolate elements including Oreo crust, cocoa-infused filling, ganache topping, and chocolate shavings, creating a rich, deep flavor profile that chocolate lovers will absolutely adore.
• Master Sophisticated Baking Techniques: The recipe showcases professional techniques like water bath baking, precise temperature control, and gradual ingredient incorporation, which help achieve a perfectly smooth, crack-free cheesecake with professional-level texture and elegance.
• Enjoy Luxurious Textural Contrast: Experience a delightful mix of textures from the crunchy Oreo crust to the silky-smooth cream cheese filling, finished with glossy ganache and light whipped cream, providing a complex and satisfying mouthfeel in every single bite.
• Impress with Stunning Presentation: The artistically piped whipped cream and delicate chocolate shavings transform this dessert into a showstopping centerpiece that looks as incredible as it tastes, making it perfect for special occasions and gatherings.

Key Ingredients for Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake Magic

• Oreo Cookies: Classic cookie base providing rich chocolate flavor and crumbly texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind cookie crumbs and creates a solid, compact crust foundation.

• Cream Cheese: Primary creamy base providing smooth and rich texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance chocolate intensity.
• Cocoa Powder: Enhances deep chocolate flavor throughout cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and helps create silky smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, complementary flavor to chocolate.
• Espresso Powder: Intensifies chocolate depth without adding coffee taste.
• Melted Chocolate: Delivers rich, decadent chocolate essence.
• Large Eggs: Helps bind ingredients and provide structure to cheesecake.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth ganache and whipped cream.
• Dark Chocolate: Forms glossy, rich ganache layer.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes whipped cream.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds chocolate dimension to whipped cream.
• Chocolate Shavings: Provides decorative and textural garnish.

Making Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake with Ease

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Chocolate Crust

• Oreo cookie crumbs
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Lower Oven Temperature

Reduce oven temperature to 300°F in preparation for the cheesecake.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Chocolate Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Cocoa powder

Mix until you achieve a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 6: Add Flavor Enhancers

• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Espresso powder

Step 7: Incorporate Melted Chocolate

Gradually add melted chocolate to the mixture, stirring continuously to create a rich, silky base.

Step 8: Add Eggs

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a perfect, smooth batter.

Step 9: Create the Water Bath

Pour the chocolate cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Place the pan in a water bath to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking.

Step 10: Bake the Cheesecake

Bake for 1 hour and 20-25 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center slightly wobbly.

Step 11: Cool Down Slowly

Turn off the oven without opening the door. Leave the cheesecake in the oven for 30 minutes, then crack the door open for another 30 minutes.

Step 12: Refrigerate

Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 13: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

Bring heavy cream to a boil. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for a moment. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 14: Add Ganache Topping

Spread the warm ganache generously over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 15: Create Whipped Cream Decoration

• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract

Whip until stiff peaks form.

Step 16: Pipe and Garnish

Pipe the whipped cream on top of the ganache. Sprinkle chocolate shavings for a stunning final touch.

Step 17: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve this decadent chocolate cheesecake to impress your guests!

Tips to Get That Dreamy Chocolate Cheesecake Texture

• Prevent Cracking Creatively: Add a water bath during baking to maintain consistent temperature and prevent unsightly surface cracks on your cheesecake.
• Soften Ingredients Strategically: Let cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free batter and perfect texture.
• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for cocoa and chocolate to maintain rich, balanced flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
• Cool Gradually: Allow cheesecake to cool slowly inside the oven with door slightly open to minimize sudden temperature changes that could cause structural issues.
• Chill Completely: Refrigerate cheesecake for minimum 5-6 hours to help flavors develop and ensure perfect slicing consistency when serving.

Keeping Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake Fresh and Creamy

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delicious texture and rich chocolate flavor.
• Freezing: Slice cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freezes beautifully for 1-2 months without losing quality.
• Reheating: Thaw refrigerated or frozen cheesecake in the fridge overnight. Bring to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best taste and creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, which can compromise the smooth texture of this delicate dessert.

Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky chocolate cheesecake promises pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts. Rich chocolate layers blend creamy textures with deep cocoa notes, delivering a luxurious experience that will satisfy intense chocolate cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar

Crust Ingredients:

• 3 cups (300 grams) Oreo crumbs
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter, melted

Flavoring and Topping Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (20 grams) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons (15 grams) natural unsweetened cocoa powder (for whipped cream)
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) sour cream, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
• 4 ounces (115 grams) semi-sweet chocolate (for ganache topping)
• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) heavy whipping cream (for ganache topping)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, cold (for whipped cream)
• 4 tablespoons (30 grams) powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
• Chocolate baking bar (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch (23 centimeters) springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and lightly greasing the sides to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and mix thoroughly with melted unsalted butter, creating a uniform base mixture.
3. Press the cookie-butter blend firmly and evenly into the pan’s bottom, creating a compact and smooth crust foundation.
4. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 8-10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
5. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C) for the primary cheesecake baking process.
6. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder.
7. Gently fold in sour cream, pure vanilla extract, and instant espresso powder, ensuring no lumps remain in the mixture.
8. Melt high-quality dark chocolate using a double boiler, then slowly incorporate into the cream cheese mixture while continuously stirring.
9. Add large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky, homogeneous texture.
10. Transfer the chocolate cheesecake batter into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
11. Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water, creating a water bath to ensure uniform heat distribution.
12. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 20-25 minutes, watching for slight wobbling in the center while edges appear set.
13. Turn off the oven, leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
14. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for 5-6 hours.
15. Prepare chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until it reaches a near-boiling point, then pour over finely chopped chocolate.
16. Whisk the ganache until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency, then generously spread over the chilled cheesecake.
17. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
18. Pipe decorative whipped cream patterns across the ganache-covered surface.
19. Garnish with delicate chocolate shavings, creating an elegant and tempting presentation.

Notes

• Chilling this decadent dessert overnight intensifies the rich chocolate flavor and allows ingredients to meld perfectly.
• Water bath technique ensures creamy, crack-free texture by providing gentle, even heat distribution during baking.
• Espresso powder secretly amplifies chocolate’s depth without creating a coffee taste, making the cheesecake taste more intensely chocolatey.
• Room temperature ingredients prevent lumpy batter and guarantee smooth, silky cheesecake consistency.
• Cooling process matters tremendously – gradual temperature reduction prevents surface cracking and maintains luxurious texture.
• Chocolate shavings add elegant finishing touch, transforming simple dessert into gourmet masterpiece.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 579 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 366 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 116 mg