Description
This rich chocolate ganache cheesecake features a creamy filling atop a chocolate cookie crust, perfectly crowned with a smooth chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp espresso powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl, then pour the hot cream over it. Let it sit for a few minutes to melt the chocolate, then stir until smooth. Mix in the espresso powder if using.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, pour the ganache over the top, spreading it evenly. Let the ganache set for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- To prevent cracks, bake the cheesecake in a water bath by wrapping the bottom of the springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger pan filled with an inch of hot water.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother cheesecake texture.
- For a clean slice, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing the cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg