Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe: A Divine Dessert Delight

Decadent chocolate melts seamlessly into this ultimate chocolate cheesecake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, velvety layers of creamy chocolate promise an unforgettable dessert experience.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with deep cocoa notes, creating a luxurious texture that sings with each bite.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will fall in love with this irresistible treat.

The delicate balance of intense chocolate and silky cream cheese makes this dessert a showstopper.

Dark chocolate ganache adds an elegant finish that transforms an ordinary cheesecake into a spectacular centerpiece.

One slice will transport you to chocolate heaven, leaving you craving another delightful moment of pure bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for the Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake

For Crust:
  • Oreo Crumbs: Provides a rich, chocolatey base with a delightful crunch, select fresh cookies for the best texture.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust together, ensuring a compact and sturdy foundation.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy texture, choose full-fat for maximum richness.
  • Sugar: Balances the chocolate's intensity and adds sweetness.
  • Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor, opt for high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa.
  • Sour Cream: Enhances tanginess and creates a silky consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
  • Espresso Powder: Intensifies chocolate notes without adding coffee taste.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Provides rich chocolate depth, select good-quality chocolate for best results.
  • Eggs: Bind the filling and create a smooth, custard-like texture.
For Topping:
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a luxurious ganache with glossy finish.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream, Powdered Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Vanilla Extract: Whips into a decadent chocolate cream topping.
  • Chocolate Baking Bar: Optional garnish for extra chocolate drama.

Must-Have Tools to Make the Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Springform Pan: 9-inch essential for creating tall, perfect cheesecake.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps remove cheesecake easily without sticking.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for blending cream cheese and ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric Mixer: Ensures creamy, lump-free cheesecake batter.
  • Whisk: Great for mixing ganache and whipped cream to silky consistency.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise ingredient measurements guarantee delicious results.
  • Rubber Spatula: Helps scrape bowl edges and fold ingredients gently.
  • Large Roasting Pan: Creates water bath for even baking technique.
  • Piping Bag: Allows professional decorative whipped cream application.
  • Microwave or Double Boiler: Melts chocolate perfectly without burning.
  • Grater or Vegetable Peeler: Creates beautiful chocolate shavings for topping.

Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake Instructions Made Simple

  • Crust Foundation

Crush chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into springform pan, creating a smooth base layer for your decadent dessert.

  • Creamy Chocolate Base

Soften cream cheese at room temperature. Gently fold in cocoa powder, sugar, and rich melted chocolate until silky smooth. Add sour cream and coffee essence for depth of flavor.

  • Egg Integration

Carefully incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing gently to maintain the luxurious texture. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling light and velvety.

  • Baking Magic

Place cheesecake in a water bath inside preheated oven. Bake slowly, allowing gentle heat to create a perfectly creamy center with minimal cracking.

  • Cooling Technique

Remove from oven and let rest gradually. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for several hours, allowing flavors to develop and texture to set perfectly.

  • Decadent Topping

Create a glossy chocolate ganache by melting high-quality chocolate with warm cream. Pour over chilled cheesecake, allowing it to cascade gracefully down the sides.

  • Final Flourish

Garnish with delicate chocolate shavings and dollops of whipped cream. Serve chilled and watch faces light up with pure dessert delight.

Expert Tips to Nail the Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Chilling the cheesecake overnight intensifies its rich, decadent flavor profile and allows the texture to become incredibly smooth and creamy.
  • Swap traditional Oreo cookies with chocolate graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies for a slightly different base that still delivers maximum chocolate impact.
  • Always ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth batter that blends perfectly without any unwanted texture interruptions.
  • For a glossy finish, let ganache cool slightly before pouring to prevent running and create a beautifully even chocolate coating that looks professionally made.
  • Make whipped cream decorations up to 2 hours before serving and store in the refrigerator to maintain their beautiful peak structure and prevent deflation during presentation.

Serving Ideas for Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake Desserts

  • Decadent Dessert Companions: Perfect pairings to elevate your Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake experience.
  • Coffee Harmony: Serve alongside a rich espresso or dark roast coffee to complement the cake's deep chocolate notes and enhance the subtle espresso powder within the recipe.
  • Berry Bright Contrast: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberry coulis to add a tangy, vibrant element that cuts through the cheesecake's rich chocolate intensity and provides a refreshing palate balance.
  • Whipped Cream Delight: Use the homemade cocoa whipped cream already prepared in the recipe as a beautiful topping, creating elegant swirls that add both visual appeal and extra chocolatey smoothness to each slice.
  • Nutty Crunch Accent: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or chopped hazelnuts around the plate's edge to introduce a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone that complements the creamy chocolate cheesecake beautifully.

Store and Preserve the Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake Flavor

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The sealed environment prevents moisture loss and protects delicate flavors.
  • Freezer Magic: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These delectable treats will stay delicious for 2-3 months, ready to enjoy anytime.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the entire cheesecake up to 2 days before your event. Store it covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and intensify. Just add the ganache and whipped cream topping right before serving for maximum freshness.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Let refrigerated cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This gentle warming helps restore its creamy texture and brings out the rich chocolate notes, ensuring each bite melts perfectly on your tongue.
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Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Chocolate lovers will adore this ultimate chocolate cheesecake recipe that combines rich, velvety chocolate with a creamy, indulgent filling. Rich ganache and chocolate shavings complete this luxurious dessert that promises to satisfy deep cocoa cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 12 oz (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 3 cups (300 g) oreo crumbs
  • 4 tbsps (60 ml) butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream, room temperature
  • 4 tbsps (20 g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
  • 4 oz (115 g) semi-sweet chocolate (for ganache topping)
  • 6 tbsps (90 ml) heavy whipping cream (for ganache topping)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold (for whipped cream)
  • 3 tbsps (15 g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder (for whipped cream)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
  • 4 tbsps (30 g) powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
  • Chocolate baking bar (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize Oreo cookies into fine crumbs, blending seamlessly with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined springform pan, creating a compact foundation.
  2. Crust Baking: Bake the crust at 325°F (163°C) for 8-10 minutes, allowing it to cool completely while reducing oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
  3. Batter Creation: Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar and cocoa powder. Integrate sour cream, vanilla extract, and espresso powder, ensuring a silky consistency.
  4. Chocolate Incorporation: Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler, gently folding into the cream cheese mixture. Carefully introduce eggs one at a time, maintaining a luxurious, uniform texture.
  5. Cheesecake Assembly: Pour the rich chocolate batter into the prepared crust, leveling the surface with a spatula. Position the springform pan within a larger water-filled baking dish to ensure even heat distribution.
  6. Baking Process: Bake for approximately 1 hour and 20-25 minutes, monitoring for a slight center wobble while edges become firm. Allow the cheesecake to rest in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes after turning off heat.
  7. Cooling and Chilling: Cool the cheesecake to room temperature, then refrigerate for 5-6 hours to set completely.
  8. Ganache and Topping: Create a luscious ganache by heating heavy cream and combining with finely chopped chocolate. Whisk until glossy and smooth, then generously spread over the chilled cheesecake.
  9. Final Embellishment: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Pipe elegant cream patterns across the ganache and garnish with delicate chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Cracking Technique: Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish with hot water to ensure even, gentle baking and minimize surface cracks.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free cheesecake batter.
  • Chocolate Melting Tip: Use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent chocolate from burning and maintain a silky texture.
  • Chilling Recommendation: Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 5-6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop and achieve the perfect firm yet creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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