Indulge in the rich, luxurious texture of this Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake, a heavenly dessert that marries the deep, intense flavors of dark and milk chocolate with the smoothness of cream cheese. The crispy, buttery base made from chocolate biscuits sets the stage for a creamy filling, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache that perfectly complements its velvety texture. Fresh berries on top add a burst of freshness, making each bite an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. This cheesecake recipe is not just a treat; it’s an experience that chocolate lovers will cherish.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Dual layers of dark and milk chocolate offer a depth of flavor that chocolate aficionados will adore.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and crème fraîche ensures each slice is rich yet silky smooth.
- Versatile Toppings: While this recipe suggests fresh berries, you can easily customize the toppings to include nuts, caramel, or even more chocolate.
Perfect Occasion: This chocolate cheesecake is perfect for:
- Special Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a festive holiday, this cheesecake makes a luxurious centerpiece.
- Dinner Parties: Impress your guests with this sophisticated dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes.
- Self-Indulgence: Treat yourself to a slice of this decadent cheesecake on a quiet evening or as a rewarding weekend dessert.
Decoration Tips:
- Berry Beautiful: Top the ganache with a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for color and a fresh taste contrast.
- Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the ganache for an extra chocolatey finish.
- Mint Leaves: Add a few mint leaves among the berries for a refreshing visual and flavor touch.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 300 g digestive or black chocolate biscuits, crushed
- 90 g butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Batter:
- 600 g cream cheese
- 150 g crème fraîche
- 180 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 200 g chocolate, melted (100 g dark, 100 g milk)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 200 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 200 ml heavy cream
- Crust Preparation:
- Mix the crushed biscuits with melted butter.
- Press evenly into the bottom of a 22 cm springform pan.
- Bake at 160°C for 8 minutes, then allow to cool.
- Cheesecake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream cheese, crème fraîche, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the melted chocolate, followed by cocoa powder.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust.
- Baking:
- Place a water bath on the oven’s lower rack to create a humid environment.
- Bake the cheesecake at 160°C for 45-50 minutes; it should be slightly jiggly.
- Let it cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 10-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature.
- Ganache:
- Heat the cream in a saucepan until it simmers, then pour over the chopped chocolate.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Spread the ganache over the cooled cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
Enjoy this luxurious Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake, topped with fresh berries and drizzled with silky chocolate ganache—a true celebration of chocolate in every form!
