Description
A rich and creamy chocolate cheesecake topped with a silky ganache, offering a perfect balance of smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (graham cracker or Oreo)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for crust)
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for ganache)
- 1 tbsp corn syrup (optional, for smooth ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- For the crust, mix cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then cool while you prepare the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes until the center is set, but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour to cool. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully chilled.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth and glossy. Stir in corn syrup for extra shine, if desired.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for another 30 minutes to set the ganache before serving.
Notes
- For a firmer cheesecake, bake a few minutes longer, but be sure not to overbake.
- Allow the cheesecake to fully cool before adding the ganache for the best texture.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American