Few desserts are as decadent, indulgent, and universally loved as chocolate cheesecake. This is the kind of dessert that stops conversations, turns heads, and has guests begging for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday, or simply want to treat yourself, this chocolate cheesecake is rich, creamy, and unforgettable.
It starts with a buttery Oreo cookie crust, providing the perfect contrast to the velvety cheesecake filling. The filling itself is ultra-smooth, loaded with rich melted chocolate and a touch of espresso powder to deepen the cocoa flavor. Each bite is a blend of luscious chocolate with that signature tang from cream cheese—truly the best of both worlds.
Unlike other cheesecakes that can be overly sweet or dry, this one strikes the ideal balance. It’s sweet without being cloying, and the texture is so creamy it practically melts in your mouth. It’s the ultimate show-stopping dessert for chocolate lovers.
If you’ve been intimidated by baking cheesecake, don’t worry. This recipe walks you through each step with tips to prevent cracks, ensure a smooth texture, and create the perfect bake. You’ll feel confident pulling a flawless cheesecake from the oven.
One of the best things about this chocolate cheesecake is its versatility. Want to top it with ganache, berries, or whipped cream? Go for it. Prefer it plain and classic? It stands on its own beautifully.
This dessert is also fantastic for making ahead. Cheesecakes need time to chill, which makes them a dream for prepping a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate overnight and you’re ready to serve with zero stress.
Each slice is luxurious and satisfying, making it a great dessert for entertaining. Your guests will think you ordered it from a fancy bakery—but only you’ll know how easy it was to make.
Whether you’re a cheesecake purist or a die-hard chocolate fan, this recipe delivers. It’s everything a chocolate cheesecake should be: rich, dense, smooth, and packed with flavor.
So grab your springform pan and let’s dive into this chocolate lover’s dream.
Servings: 12
Time:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Chill Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies (with filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 8 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional but enhances flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom in two layers of foil.
- Crush Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla, mixing well.
- Add melted chocolate and sour cream. Beat until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating on low and scraping down the sides.
- Pour filling over cooled crust. Tap pan on counter to release air bubbles.
- Place pan in a larger roasting pan and fill outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, until center is almost set. It should still jiggle slightly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, cool to room temp, then chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
Tips:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix—this can lead to cracks.
- Use a water bath to prevent the cheesecake from drying out or cracking.
- Chill overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Wipe the knife with a warm, damp towel between slices for clean cuts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Incredibly rich and chocolatey
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Crowd-pleasing and bakery-quality
- Great for special occasions or make-ahead desserts
- Simple ingredients, elegant result
Summary:
This chocolate cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers—rich, creamy, and baked to perfection with an Oreo cookie crust and luxurious chocolate filling. A showstopping treat that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just a well-earned indulgence.
The BEST Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies with filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
For the filling:
- 4 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 8 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder optional but enhances flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom in two layers of foil.
- Crush Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla, mixing well.
- Add melted chocolate and sour cream. Beat until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating on low and scraping down the sides.
- Pour filling over cooled crust. Tap pan on counter to release air bubbles.
- Place pan in a larger roasting pan and fill outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, until center is almost set. It should still jiggle slightly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, cool to room temp, then chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix—this can lead to cracks.
- Use a water bath to prevent the cheesecake from drying out or cracking.
- Chill overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Wipe the knife with a warm, damp towel between slices for clean cuts.
