This baked cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, with its rich, creamy filling and a buttery chocolate cookie crust that melts in your mouth. The cheesecake has a perfectly smooth texture thanks to the combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs, creating a luxurious dessert that is both light and indulgent. A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor, while the chocolate crust provides a delightful contrast to the velvety filling. Once baked to golden perfection, this cheesecake is chilled to develop its full flavor and creamy consistency.
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love this baked cheesecake for its incredibly smooth and rich texture. The cream cheese filling is both creamy and fluffy, and the chocolate cookie base gives it just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a decadent dessert that feels like it came straight from a bakery. This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead, as it needs time to chill in the fridge, making it even more flavorful and indulgent when served the next day.
Perfect Occasion:
This cheesecake is perfect for special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties, where you want to serve something impressive and delicious. It’s also a fantastic dessert for more casual gatherings, like family dinners or brunch with friends. Since it’s made in advance and chilled, this cheesecake is a great option for stress-free entertaining. It’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves rich, creamy desserts, and it pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful finish, pipe the top of the cheesecake with whipped cream or sweetened cream cheese using a star-shaped piping tip. You can also decorate with fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. If you want a more rustic look, simply garnish with a few chocolate shavings or dust lightly with cocoa powder. This cheesecake is versatile in both flavor and decoration, allowing you to make it as simple or extravagant as you’d like.
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 200 grams of chocolate cookies (such as chocolate graham crackers)
- 150 grams of melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 700 grams of cream cheese (must be creamy and smooth)
- 200 ml of heavy cream (with at least 35% fat)
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 200 grams of sugar
- 30 grams of cornstarch or all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 150 grams of cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). In a bowl, mix the crushed chocolate cookies with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 20 cm (8-inch) springform pan lined with parchment paper. Use a flat object, like the bottom of a glass, to compact the crust evenly. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely. - Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and cornstarch (or flour). Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan. - Bake the Cheesecake:
Place a small dish of water inside the oven to create steam, which will help keep the cheesecake moist while baking. Bake the cheesecake at 170°C (340°F) for 45 minutes. Do not open the oven or poke the cheesecake during baking; the center should remain slightly jiggly. - Cool and Chill:
Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) to allow it to set fully and develop its flavor. - Prepare the Topping:
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with a star tip and decorate the top of the cheesecake as desired.
Enjoy!
