Chocolate cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. It combines the creamy, silky texture of classic cheesecake with the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate, creating a dessert that is decadent yet balanced. Each bite is a luscious experience: the chocolate-infused cheesecake filling sits atop a buttery crust, often made from chocolate or graham crackers, delivering a perfect blend of crunch and creaminess.
Whether served at a dinner party, a birthday celebration, or a quiet evening indulgence, chocolate cheesecake never fails to impress. Its luxurious texture, intense chocolate flavor, and elegant presentation make it a show-stopping dessert that pleases both the eyes and the palate.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this chocolate cheesecake recipe because it achieves the perfect harmony between richness and creaminess. The filling is smooth and velvety, with a deep chocolate flavor that is not overpowering, and it pairs beautifully with a crisp, buttery crust.
I also love how versatile and customizable it is. You can top it with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, berries, or caramel. Every slice feels like a slice of indulgence, and yet it’s never heavy or overly sweet. Baking it slowly and chilling it properly ensures a dense, creamy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dessert
This dessert is a must-try because:
- Chocolate lovers’ dream: Combines rich chocolate with creamy cheesecake.
- Elegant yet approachable: Perfect for special occasions or weekend baking.
- Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared in advance and stored for several days.
- Customizable: Add swirls of caramel, chocolate chips, or fruit toppings.
- Perfect texture: Dense yet silky, not dry or crumbly.
Chocolate cheesecake is a dessert that impresses everyone—friends, family, or even just yourself.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Baking Time: 55–60 minutes
- Cooling & Chilling Time: 4–6 hours (preferably overnight)
- Total Time: ~6–7 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: Approximately 520–550 calories per slice
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American / Classic Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs or chocolate cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz (225 g) semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, helps set)
For the Topping (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
Quick Directions
- Preheat oven and prepare crust in a springform pan.
- Melt chocolate and mix with cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla.
- Add eggs one at a time, mix gently, then fold in heavy cream and flour.
- Pour filling over crust and bake until set.
- Cool completely, then chill in fridge for 4+ hours.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or berries.
- Slice and serve.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Combine chocolate crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
- Stir in sour cream and vanilla.
- Add melted chocolate and mix until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each.
- Fold in heavy cream and flour (if using) until smooth and silky.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in preheated oven for 55–60 minutes until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
Step 4: Chill
- Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 5: Decorate
- Optional: Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries before serving.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Slice using a hot, clean knife for clean edges.
- Serve chilled.
How to Serve This Dessert
- Serve as a decadent dessert for parties, celebrations, or family dinners.
- Pair with coffee, dessert wine, or a glass of milk.
- Garnish with chocolate curls, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for extra elegance.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cheesecake
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Avoid overmixing eggs to prevent cracks.
- A water bath can help achieve a creamy, crack-free cheesecake.
- Let it chill completely before slicing.
- Use a hot, wet knife for perfect slices.
Variations
1. Double Chocolate Cheesecake
Add chocolate chips to the filling or swirl in chocolate ganache.
2. Mocha Cheesecake
Add 1–2 tsp instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
3. Nutty Chocolate Cheesecake
Fold in chopped toasted nuts (hazelnuts, almonds) into the filling.
4. Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake
Top with raspberry coulis for a tart contrast.
5. Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes
Use muffin tins or small springform pans for individual servings.
Freezing & Storage Time
Refrigerator
- Store cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
- Cheesecake freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Freeze without toppings for best results.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
To Thaw
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
- Add toppings after thawing for best presentation.
Special Equipment Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Saucepan for melting chocolate
- Cooling rack
Conclusion
Chocolate Cheesecake is a luxurious, elegant dessert that delivers both indulgence and sophistication. With a rich chocolate filling, smooth creamy texture, and crisp crust, it is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Its versatility, make-ahead potential, and stunning presentation make it a dessert worth mastering. Every slice is a celebration of chocolate and creamy perfection—an unforgettable treat for yourself and your loved ones.
Chocolate Cheesecake
Description
Chocolate cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. It combines the creamy, silky texture of classic cheesecake with the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate, creating a dessert that is decadent yet balanced.
Ingredients
For the Crust
For the Cheesecake Filling
Whipped cream
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Crust : Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine chocolate crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
-
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling : In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and beat until fully incorporated. Stir in sour cream and vanilla. Add melted chocolate and mix until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each. Fold in heavy cream and flour (if using) until smooth and silky.
-
Step 3: Assemble and Bake : Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 55–60 minutes until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
-
Step 4: Chill : Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
-
Step 5: Decorate : Optional: Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries before serving.
-
Step 6: Serve : Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice using a hot, clean knife for clean edges. Serve chilled.
