Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
This decadent Hot Chocolate Cheesecake combines the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy cheesecake with a crunchy Oreo crust. Perfectly baked in a water bath for a smooth and silky texture, this indulgent dessert is topped with whipped cream and can be garnished with marshmallows or chocolate shavings for a cozy treat that evokes the warmth of a cup of hot cocoa.
- Author: luca
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Crust
- 30 Oreo cookies
- 60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 680 g (24 oz) cream cheese – Philadelphia
- 140 g (2/3 cup) granulated sugar
- 60 g (1/2 cup) sweetened cocoa powder
- 35 g (1/3 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 120 g (1/2 cup) heavy sour cream
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream – full fat
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Whipped Cream Topping
- 250 ml (1 cup) cold heavy cream
- 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional garnishes: marshmallows or mini marshmallows, cocoa powder, chocolate shavings
- Prepare the crust: Crush the Oreos in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and process again until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Form the crust: Press the Oreo mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 20 cm (8-inch) springform pan lined with parchment paper. Use the bottom of a glass to pack it tightly. Place the pan in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- Preheat oven and water bath: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and boil a medium pot of water for the water bath.
- Mix the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium-low speed with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar: Gradually add the sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
- Add cocoa powders: Sift the sweetened and unsweetened cocoa powders into the mixture and beat until combined.
- Incorporate dairy and vanilla: Add the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and mix until just combined.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing just until incorporated to avoid over-aerating the batter.
- Assemble cheesecake: Pour the chocolate cheesecake mixture over the chilled Oreo crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Prepare water bath: Pour the boiling water into the bottom of a roasting pan or baking dish placed on the oven rack below the cheesecake.
- Bake: Place the springform pan on the rack above and bake for 60–75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Cool in oven: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Chill: Cover the cheesecake with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results. Run a knife around the edges before releasing the springform pan.
- Transfer to serving plate: Remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.
- Prepare whipped cream topping: Beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, or until stiff peaks form.
- Top cheesecake: Spread the whipped cream over the cheesecake evenly.
- Garnish: Garnish with marshmallows or mini marshmallows, dust with cocoa powder, or sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your cozy, indulgent hot chocolate cheesecake!
Notes
- Chilling the crust before adding the filling helps keep it firm and prevents sogginess.
- Baking the cheesecake in a water bath ensures even cooking and prevents cracking.
- Use room temperature eggs to help the batter mix smoothly and reduce air bubbles.
- Do not overbeat the batter to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven prevents cracking on top.
- For best texture and flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight before serving.
- Garnishes like marshmallows or chocolate shavings add both visual appeal and complementary flavors.
Keywords: Hot Chocolate Cheesecake, Oreo crust cheesecake, chocolate dessert, creamy cheesecake, whipped cream topping