Chocolate Cheesecake

Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 5 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Cheesecake recipe. Perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Cheesecake has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece. The addition of chocolate to this classic dessert adds a modern twist, creating a deliciously creamy and chocolatey treat.

Ingredients

For the chocolate base

0.25 cup (0.5 stick) of butter or margarine
0.5 cup of Hershey's cocoa
3 packages (8 oz (227 g) each) of softened cream cheese
1 can (14 oz (397 g)) of sweetened condensed milk
4 eggs
1 tbsp of vanilla extract

Chocolate crumb crust

6 tbsp of butter or margarine in a medium microwave-safe bowl
1.5 cup of vanilla wafer crumbs (about 45 wafers)
6 tbsp of powdered sugar
6 tbsp of Hershey's cocoa

How to prepare

Chocolate crumb crust

Preheat the oven to 300°F.
Melt the butter and mix it with the rest of the crust ingredients.
Press the mixture onto the bottom and 0.5 inch to 1 inch up the side of a 9-inch spring-form pan.

Filling

Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave it on high for 30 to 45 seconds or until melted.
Mix the cocoa until smooth and set it aside.
Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl.
Add the cocoa mixture and beat well.
Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Add the eggs and vanilla and beat well.
Pour the batter into a prepared pan.
Bake for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until set.
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack.
Loosen the cake from the side of the pan.
Allow it to cool completely and then remove the side of the pan.
To serve, garnish as desired.
Cover and refrigerate any leftover cheesecake.
Garnish as desired.

Variations

Add a swirl of raspberry or caramel sauce on top for added flavor.
Top with fresh berries or chocolate shavings for a colorful presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cheesecake.

- Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracking on the surface of the cheesecake.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Techniques

Use a water bath while baking to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent sinking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use graham cracker crumbs instead of chocolate wafer crumbs for the crust.

- Substitute dark chocolate for a richer flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with chocolate curls, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 10% of daily value per serving

Iron: 8% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy and eggs

Summary

This Chocolate Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fat and calories. Enjoy in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Chocolate Cheesecake recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy every decadent bite!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a warm summer day, and I found myself browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a particular recipe caught my eye - Chocolate Cheesecake.

I had always been a fan of cheesecake, but the addition of chocolate made this recipe stand out to me. I could practically taste the rich, creamy goodness just from reading the ingredients list. I knew right then and there that I had to give it a try.

But there was one problem - I had never made a cheesecake before. Sure, I had dabbled in baking cookies and pies, but cheesecake seemed like a whole different beast. Luckily, I had a dear friend who was a seasoned baker and she offered to give me a crash course in cheesecake making.

We spent a whole afternoon in my kitchen, mixing and measuring, cracking eggs and melting chocolate. My friend guided me through each step with patience and skill, sharing her own tips and tricks along the way. By the time the cheesecake was ready to go in the oven, I felt confident that I had learned enough to tackle this recipe on my own.

The smell that filled my kitchen as the cheesecake baked was intoxicating. The sweet aroma of chocolate mingling with the rich scent of cream cheese made my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the cheesecake was finally done, I let it cool on the counter before slicing into it. The first bite was pure bliss - the smooth, velvety texture of the cream cheese paired perfectly with the decadent chocolate flavor. It was everything I had imagined and more.

I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. I made it for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays to dinner parties. It never failed to impress my guests, who marveled at the perfect balance of sweetness and richness in each bite.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a touch of espresso powder for depth of flavor and a splash of rum for a hint of warmth. These little adjustments only made the cheesecake more irresistible, earning me a reputation as the go-to dessert maker among my friends and family.

As I grew older, I began to pass down the recipe to my own grandchildren, just as my grandmother had done for me. I taught them the ins and outs of making the perfect Chocolate Cheesecake, sharing the secrets and traditions that had been passed down through generations.

Now, whenever I make this recipe, I can't help but think of all the memories and moments it has brought to my life. From that first hesitant attempt in my kitchen to the countless times I have shared it with loved ones, this Chocolate Cheesecake has become a symbol of love and connection for me.

And as I sit down to enjoy a slice of this delicious dessert, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of my family, I am reminded once again of the power of a simple recipe to bring joy and comfort to those we hold dear.