I love baking chocolate cheesecake on my kid’s birthday or a special milestone- like the time when he finally learned to ride a bike. And when I made his favorite cheesecake, the joy on his face made every bit of effort that went into it completely worth it!

And yes- cheesecakes do require effort. From preparing the cookie crust to whipping the cream and butter just right, every step of this decadent chocolate cheesecake demands focus and precision. Even the baking process is unique as it’s cooked in a water bath instead of simply popping it in the oven!

But here’s the rewarding part- as soon as you take that first bite, you will be greeted with a rich, creamy, chocolaty texture that melts in your mouth! The water bath and long cooking time give the cake an incredibly smooth texture and make it set without a trace of crack on the surface. With the perfect balance of richness and creaminess with chocolate flavor, this dessert will compel you to make this again, even with all those delicate steps involved!

The Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake serving on a plate with a fork — The Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Delicious Alternatives To Make Chocolate Cheesecake Crusts

Oreos or graham crackers are classic options for making cheesecake crusts. However, there are lots of other delicious alternatives you can use instead:

Digestive Biscuits

Digestive biscuits have almost a similar taste to graham crackers, only a bit denser. To use these biscuits as crusts, just crush them into small crumbs and mix them with melted butter and sugar to form a dough-like consistency. You can press the dough into the pan like this or bake it briefly before adding the filling to help it firm up.

Nuts

Nuts have a way of complimenting chocolates that nothing else can quite match! Pecans, almonds, and walnuts are some of the classic choices that pair wonderfully with chocolate cheesecake. To use these nuts in cheesecake crust, start by pulsing them into small pieces in a food processor and press them into the pan. If the mixture doesn’t hold well, use a bit of flour to bind them.

Pretzels

Another crunchy addition that goes wonderfully well with chocolate cheesecake is pretzels!

Pretzels bring a salty, savory taste to the cheesecake that balances the sweetness of the dish perfectly. However, if you find the addition of pretzels to be too salty, sprinkle a bit of sugar to mellow out the sweetness and create a better crust.

The Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake serving on a plate — The Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake

Shortbread Cookies

I love shortbread cookies so much that I am definitely going to eat some while preparing them for this dessert!

Shortbread cookies introduce a rich, buttery flavor to the chocolate cheesecake. The slight sweetness of these cookies contrasts with the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds a delightful depth to the chocolate cheesecake.

Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies are wholesome to eat even on their own! Paired with chocolate cheesecake, they add a chewy texture and nutty flavor that goes well with the chocolaty deliciousness. To help bind the oatmeal cookies, you can add a bit of melted butter to ensure the crumbs stick together properly.

Topping Ideas For Chocolate Cheesecake

Don’t let your favorite chocolate dessert stay bare. Decorate it with delicious toppings, and watch how it becomes a festive delight! Here are some toppings that can be mixed and matched to garnish the chocolate cheesecake:

Fresh Fruits

Fruits are an excellent choice as toppings as they bring a fresh and vibrant flavor that cuts through the richness of the chocolate. I love adding blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, bananas, oranges, and pineapple chunks to my chocolate cheesecake.

Whipped Cream

Want something light to compliment the dessert?

Whipped cream is a simple yet perfect choice for that! Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the cheesecake for a creamy experience. For a refined and sophisticated look and flavor, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder over the whipped cream.

The Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe cutting by a knife — Chocolate Cheesecake

Powdered Sugar

If you aren’t in the mood for elaborate decorations, a simple dusting of powdered sugar is enough to do the trick! For an elegant finish, place a stencil over the cheesecake before dusting it with powdered sugar and lift it to reveal a beautiful design.

Coconut Flakes

To add a tropical vibe to your chocolate cheesecake spread shredded toasted coconut evenly across the cheesecake. Once toasted, keep the coconut flakes in an airtight container until you are ready to use.

Candy Pieces

Adding small pieces of candy(your favorite ones!) is a great way to personalize the cheesecake. Choose from a variety of candies including peppermint, toffee, snickers and kit kats. You can mix the candies into the batter or hide them between the crust and the filling for a delightful surprise!

Tips For Making The Best Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Want to know the hacks for a perfect chocolate cheesecake? Let’s explore some simple yet effective tips:

Chocolate being the star of the dish, the taste of the cheesecake depends largely on it. Opt for high-quality, additive-free dark chocolate to enjoy the rich, smooth flavor of the cheesecake.

Let the cream cheese, eggs, butter, and Greek yogurt come to room temperature before you start baking.

Do NOT overmix the batter as you whip the cream cheese and chocolate. Overmixing may lead to cracks in the cheesecake after baking.

Once the chocolate melts, let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter. Hot chocolate may cause the eggs in the batter to curdle.

Add decorations and toppings like whipped cream, fruits, or powdered sugar only after the cheesecake has chilled and set properly.

The Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake

4.3 from 29 votes

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Print Rate Pin

This chocolate cheesecake is rich, moist, dense and super chocolatey; this cake has everything you want in a classic chocolate cheesecake.

The cheesecake is incredibly delicious, made with a cookie base and topped with a creamy cheesecake filling.

Ingredients

For The Base

▢ 15 Pieces Oreo (Or Any Chocolate Biscuits)
▢ 4 Tbsp / 56 g Butter (Melted)

For The Cake

▢ 2 Cups / 454 g Cream Cheese (Softened)
▢ 1 Cup / 200 g Sugar
▢ 1 Cup / 237 ml Whipping Cream (Cold)
▢ 4 Tbsp / 59 ml Greek Yogurt
▢ 1 Tsp / 5 ml Vanilla Essence
▢ 200 Grams Semisweet Dark Chocolate (Melted)
▢ 1 Tbsp / 8 g Cocoa Powder
▢ 3 Large Eggs

Equipments

Instructions

Prepare The Oreo Crust

In a food processor, crush the 15 pieces of Oreos(Or Any Chocolate Biscuits) into fine crumbs (you can also use a ziplock bag to do this step).
Add 4 tbsp of melted butter to that and mix until combined.
Transfer the cookie crumbs into an 8-inch springform pan (nonstick/greased). Press the crumbs evenly onto the bottom of the pan and set aside.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit 160 degrees Celcius.

Make Cheesecake Filling

Cut the 200 gm of semi-sweet chocolate bar into small pieces unless you’re using semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Then melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl on a double boiler, making sure the bottom of the bowl isn’t touching the simmering water.
Once the chocolate is completely melted, set aside and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Add 4 tbsp of Greek yogurt, 1 cup whipping cream, and 1 tsp vanilla essence, and beat on low until combined.
Add in the melted chocolate and 1 tbsp cocoa powder and mix well. Then, add 3 large eggs, one at a time, and mix on low speed after each addition just until mixed. Don’t over-mix.

Pour, and Bake

Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
Using foil, double-wrap the bottom of the springform pan, sealing it tightly to prevent water from getting into the pan.
Place the springform pan into a larger pan/tray and pour boiling water into the larger pan, making sure the water level doesn’t come up higher than the foil. The water level shouldn’t be more than a third of the springform pan.
Bake the cheesecake for 60-70 minutes or until the center of the cake is set but still slightly jiggly. The cake will set completely as it cools.

Cool, Serve, and Enjoy!

Allow the cheesecake to completely cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate overnight.
Carefully run a knife around the sides of the pan to loosen the cake before releasing the cake from the pan and slicing. For a cleaner cut dip the knife into hot water before slicing.
Store the whole cake or cake slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Video

Nutrition Facts (Click to view) Hide

Nutrition Facts

*This calculation is done by assumption calculated by an API. Please use our nutrition information just to get an idea about the recipe, consult a nutritionist if you need exact nutrition information.

Tried this recipe?

Cheesecakes are my trump cards when it comes to baking desserts and I only bring it out when something truly special calls for it!

Among all the other cheesecakes I have prepared so far, chocolate cheesecake is by far my favorite cause of its rich flavor and creamy texture. The dark and intense flavor of the melted chocolate creates the perfect balance with the tanginess of the cream cheese. And if I may suggest, a drizzle of glossy chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of cocoa powder can take the dessert to a whole new level where it looks as amazing as it tastes! You can try it today, and let me know if it becomes your go-to dessert request.

Recipe FAQs

How Do I Know When My Chocolate Cheesecake Is Done Baking?

Once the edges are set, yet the center is still slightly jiggly, the chocolate cheesecake is done baking. Let the cheesecake cool to firm up later.

How Long Does Chocolate Cheesecake Last?

Chocolate cheesecake stays fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cover the cheesecake or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other food odors.

What Can I Use Instead Of Cream Cheese For This Recipe?

You can use mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, or Greek Yogurt as alternatives for cream cheese. However, the flavor and texture won’t be the same as desired if you use these substitutes.

Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead Of Dark Chocolate?

Yes, absolutely! Remember, milk chocolate will result in a sweeter and creamier cheesecake, so feel free to use it if that’s your preference.

The Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe