Chocolate Cheesecake

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 40 min. + chilling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
Everyone’s a chocolate lover when it comes to this chocolate cheesecake. It melts in your mouth, and it’s very smooth and fudgy. For a fun taste twist, spoon cherry or strawberry topping over each slice right before serving. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana

Ingredients

  • 1 cup crushed chocolate wafer crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • FILLING:
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Strawberries and white chocolate shavings, optional

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan; set aside. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and flour until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined. Stir in vanilla and melted chocolate just until blended. Pour filling over crust.
  3. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
  4. Garnish slices with strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Chocolate Cheesecake Tips

Do I need a water bath for cheesecake?

To bake a crack-free cheesecake, use a water bath. A water bath is a simple technique that helps prevents cracks and bakes the cake more evenly. Make a water bath by placing the cheesecake into a high-sided pan (a roasting pan works great). Then fill the pan up an inch or so with hot—nearly boiling—water.

Why is my cheesecake falling apart?

Cheesecakes that are baked too long or too little may crack or weep. Make sure to use a water bath and watch for the jiggle test. If your cheesecake moves just a little in the center it’s done. If the whole cake seems to jiggle, leave it in longer. Check out our guide to baking cheesecake for more tips.

What do I do if my cheesecake cracked?

If your cheesecake cracks get creative with your toppings! Whipped cream, berries, or chocolate drizzle can help hide any flaws.

Can you freeze cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze cheesecake. Many cheesecake recipes keep well in the freezer for up to a month. Our guide to freezing cheesecake will walk you through the steps.

Research contributed by Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 411 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.