Baked Chocolate Cheesecake

Rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey, this baked chocolate cheesecake features a smooth chocolate filling on a crunchy Oreo crust, topped with silky ganache and whipped cocoa cream. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any time you’re baking a show-stopping dessert. This recipe offers easy-to-follow instructions, baking tips, and a water bath method to prevent cracks and get that perfect texture every time.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) Oreo cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz (455g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) white sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whipping cream
• 9 oz (255g) dark chocolate, melted

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1/2 cup (120ml) whipping cream
• 6 oz (175g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

For the Chocolate Whipped Cream

• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) cold whipping cream
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp icing sugar

---

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F / 160°C.
2. Line the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with several layers of aluminum foil to make it watertight.
3. Mix melted butter with Oreo crumbs until well combined.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside. Leave the oven on.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Melt the dark chocolate in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with white and brown sugars until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, yolks, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
4. Mix in cocoa powder.
5. Slowly add the whipping cream, mixing until incorporated.
6. Scrape down the bowl and beat for an additional 30 seconds.
7. Stir in the melted chocolate until fully blended.
8. Pour the filling over the crust. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
9. Place the pan in a large roasting dish and pour hot water around it until it reaches halfway up the sides.
10. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until edges are set and the center still slightly jiggles.
11. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Make the Ganache

1. Heat the cream until scalding, then pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate.
2. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
3. Cool until thickened but still pourable, then spread over the chilled cheesecake.

Make the Chocolate Whipped Cream

1. Whip cream to soft peaks.
2. Add vanilla, cocoa powder, and icing sugar.
3. Continue whipping to stiff peaks.
4. Pipe or spread on top of the ganache layer before serving.

---

Tips

• Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother batter.
• Wrap the pan thoroughly in foil to prevent water from leaking into the cheesecake.
• Tap the pan to remove bubbles before baking for a flawless surface.
• Chill overnight for best texture and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap Oreo crumbs for graham crackers or digestive biscuits.
• Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a milder taste.
• Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

FAQs

Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What if I don’t have a water bath?
You can bake without it, but the texture may be less creamy and cracks are more likely.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. It’s best made a day in advance to allow proper setting.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with chocolate curls or fresh berries.
• Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
• Pair with a hot espresso or glass of dessert wine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked chocolate cheesecake delivers a rich, dense, and creamy texture with deep chocolate flavor layered from crust to whipped topping. It’s a decadent dessert that balances sweetness with cocoa intensity, ideal for chocolate lovers and special celebrations.