The Ultimate Classic Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Crafting a decadent classic chocolate cheesecake requires skill and passion that transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with rich cocoa, creating a velvety canvas of pure indulgence.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the delicate balance between intense dark notes and creamy texture.

Professional bakers know subtle techniques make all the difference in achieving that perfect slice.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of irresistible flavor.

Silky ganache and delicate chocolate shavings add sophisticated elegance to this timeless treat.

You’ll want to savor every single heavenly bite of this ultimate chocolate dessert.

Why Classic Chocolate Cheesecake Is Always A Hit

• Conquer Complex Dessert: Master a stunning chocolate cheesecake that looks professionally crafted, even for beginner bakers with step-by-step instructions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Delight: Create a showstopping dessert perfect for dinner parties, celebrations, or weekend family gatherings that guarantees impressed guests.
• Customize with Ease: Transform the classic recipe by experimenting with different chocolate types, adding nuts, or drizzling alternative toppings to match personal taste preferences.
• No-Stress Baking Experience: Follow simple techniques like using a double boiler, incorporating ingredients gradually, and cooling slowly to ensure a crack-free, smooth cheesecake texture.

What You’ll Need For Classic Chocolate Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates a firm, solid crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy and rich texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, balanced flavor profile.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the tangy flavor and ensures a velvety, soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Dark Chocolate: Infuses the cheesecake with a deep, luxurious chocolate flavor.
• Salt: Balances and heightens the other flavors in the recipe.

• Heavy Cream: Used to create a smooth, glossy ganache.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Forms the base of the rich ganache topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and decorative touch.
• Chocolate Shavings: Provides an elegant and textural garnish.

How To Bake A Smooth Classic Chocolate Cheesecake

Step 1: Craft the Crunchy Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Melt butter and mix thoroughly with cracker crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating an even, compact foundation that will support your luxurious cheesecake.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add sugar, blending until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.

Step 3: Blend in Creamy Extras

• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Stir until the mixture reaches a perfectly smooth consistency.

Step 4: Introduce Chocolate Magic

Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter, creating beautiful chocolate swirls throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the chocolate-marbled batter into the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 325°F. Bake for 55-60 minutes. The center should be slightly wobbly but set. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for one hour to prevent cracking.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing it to firm up completely.

Step 8: Create Luscious Ganache

Heat heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Pour over semi-sweet chocolate. Whisk until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar and delicate chocolate shavings.

Step 10: Serve and Indulge

Slice the cheesecake with a warm knife. Serve chilled, revealing the stunning chocolate swirls and creamy texture that make this dessert irresistible.

Tips For Creamy Classic Chocolate Cheesecake

• Prevent Cracking Technique: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven with the door slightly open, which helps prevent unsightly surface cracks by reducing sudden temperature changes.
• Balance Chocolate Intensity: Use a mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate to create a balanced, rich flavor that isn't overly bitter or sweet.
• Achieve Smooth Texture: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and mix ingredients gradually to ensure a silky, lump-free cheesecake batter without overmixing.
• Create Perfect Crust: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the base for a sturdy, crisp foundation.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Let cheesecake chill overnight to allow flavors to develop and textures to set, resulting in a more complex and satisfying dessert experience.

Flavor Ideas For Classic Chocolate Cheesecake

• Raspberry Chocolate Swirl: Fold fresh raspberry puree into half the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect with chocolate and fruity red swirls.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between cheesecake layers and on top, adding rich depth and contrasting flavors.
• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Sprinkle chopped roasted almonds and hazelnuts on top, providing a delightful textural contrast to the smooth chocolate cheesecake.
• White Chocolate Mocha: Replace dark chocolate with melted white chocolate and add a shot of espresso powder for a coffee-infused cheesecake experience.

What Goes Great With Classic Chocolate Cheesecake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot with deep berry notes that complement the chocolate's richness, cutting through the cheesecake's creamy texture and enhancing its complex flavor profile.
• Complement with Espresso: Brew a strong, dark espresso that provides a sharp, intense counterpoint to the sweet, velvety cheesecake, allowing the chocolate's depth to shine while cleansing the palate between bites.
• Match with Raspberry Coulis: Drizzle a tangy, bright raspberry sauce alongside the slice to introduce a fruity acidity that balances the dessert's dense chocolate notes, creating a sophisticated flavor contrast.

Storage Tips For Classic Chocolate Cheesecake That Lasts

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture and odors from affecting its flavor. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices in two layers of plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Place a layer of parchment paper between slices if freezing individually to prevent sticking and protect against freezer burn. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Remove frozen cheesecake from the freezer and transfer to the refrigerator 24 hours before serving. Let it thaw slowly to preserve its creamy consistency and prevent condensation.

Classic Chocolate Cheesecake Questions Answered

• Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate, but it will alter the richness and intensity of the chocolate flavor in the cheesecake.

• How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Bake the cheesecake in a water bath, avoid overmixing the batter, and let it cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes.

• Is it necessary to use a springform pan?

A springform pan is recommended as it allows easy removal of the cheesecake without damaging its delicate structure. Regular cake pans can work but may make serving more challenging.

Classic Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate lovers find pure bliss in this classic chocolate cheesecake recipe that whispers sweet comfort. Rich chocolate layers meld seamlessly with creamy cheesecake, promising pure dessert paradise you’ll savor down to the last delectable crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 680 g cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 230 g dark chocolate, melted

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 115 g semi-sweet chocolate
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp chocolate shavings

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even, compact base.
2. Beat cream cheese in a large mixer until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating granulated sugar until fully integrated.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, ensuring a silky, lump-free consistency.
4. Fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, blending until perfectly homogeneous.
5. Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, then gently incorporate into the cheesecake batter, creating a rich marbled effect.
6. Pour the chocolate-infused batter over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until center is slightly jiggly but set. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
8. Refrigerate cheesecake for minimum 4 hours or overnight.
9. For ganache topping, heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over semi-sweet chocolate. Whisk until glossy and smooth.
10. Drizzle chocolate ganache over chilled cheesecake, sprinkle with powdered sugar and chocolate shavings.
11. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the decadent layers of chocolate and creamy cheesecake.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Crumbling by pressing graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, using the back of a measuring cup for compact, stable results.
• Control Cheesecake Cracking by baking in a water bath, which provides gentle, even heat and reduces surface tension during cooking.
• Achieve Smooth Texture by bringing all ingredients to room temperature before mixing, ensuring seamless blending without lumps or air pockets.
• Customize Chocolate Intensity by experimenting with different chocolate percentages – dark, milk, or semi-sweet – to match personal flavor preferences.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 466
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 303 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 121 mg