Description
This rich and creamy Chocolate Ganache Cheesecake features a decadent chocolate cookie crust topped with a smooth cream cheese filling and finished with a glossy chocolate ganache. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it’s baked to perfection with a velvety texture and an indulgent chocolate topping, making it an impressive dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Cookie Crust
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreo crumbs, without the cream filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra stability)
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Press the Crust: Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool while preparing the filling.
- Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) for baking the cheesecake.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and cornstarch (if using). Beat until the entire mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled cookie crust, gently smoothing the top for even baking.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill Completely: After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up properly.
- Prepare the Ganache: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat Cream: Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it starts to simmer. Do not boil.
- Combine Cream and Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Cool Ganache Slightly: Allow the ganache to cool a bit so it thickens but is still pourable.
- Pour Ganache over Cheesecake: Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake surface.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the ganache for decoration.
- Set and Serve: Let the ganache set for a few minutes before slicing the cheesecake and serving.
Notes
- Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cheesecake.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven to prevent cracks.
- The cornstarch in the filling helps stabilize the cheesecake but is optional.
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can be used depending on desired sweetness.
- Chill the cheesecake long enough for best texture before adding ganache.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.
