Description
Indulgent brownie crust chocolate cheesecake merges rich chocolate layers with creamy cheesecake perfection. Silky smooth filling nestles atop a fudgy brownie base, promising pure dessert bliss for chocolate enthusiasts craving an irresistible sweet experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Crust:
Chocolate Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups (255 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- ⅔ cup (65 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
Sugar Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 grams) packed brown sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
Chocolate Cheesecake Layer:
Cheese and Chocolate Ingredients:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup (135 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Sugar and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Craft the Decadent Brownie Foundation by preheating the oven and preparing the springform pan with a parchment paper lining. Whisk melted butter and chocolate chips into a silky mixture, then incorporate sugars and cocoa powder until thoroughly blended. Gently fold in vanilla and eggs, ensuring a smooth consistency. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing minimally to maintain a tender texture. Distribute the batter evenly across the pan and bake until a toothpick reveals minimal crumbs. Allow the brownie base to cool and settle.
- Create the Luscious Chocolate Cheesecake Layer by reducing oven temperature. Whip cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth. Integrate melted chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and flour, stirring until uniform. Drizzle vanilla extract for depth of flavor. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing gently to preserve the delicate structure. Carefully pour the creamy mixture over the brownie foundation, ensuring an even distribution.
- Orchestrate the Baking Process by positioning the pan on a protective baking sheet. Bake until the center achieves a subtle firmness and edges develop a gentle rise. Execute a slow cooling technique by leaving the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar, allowing gradual temperature reduction. Once completely cooled, transfer to the refrigerator for thorough chilling and setting.
- Construct the Luxurious Chocolate Ganache by placing chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl. Warm heavy cream until it reaches a gentle simmer, then cascade over the chocolate. Let the mixture rest briefly before creating a glossy, smooth emulsion. After cooling slightly, cascade the ganache over the chilled cheesecake, ensuring complete coverage.
- Finalize the Presentation by carefully releasing the springform pan’s edges. Utilize a pristine, sharp knife for precise slicing, wiping between cuts to maintain clean edges. Serve the cheesecake chilled, revealing layers of rich, indulgent flavors.
Notes
- Ensure brownie crust is completely cooled before adding cheesecake layer to prevent uneven baking and textural issues.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free cheesecake batter that blends seamlessly.
- Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles and potential cracking during baking.
- Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan with hot water to promote even baking and prevent surface cracks.
- Swap regular chocolate for dark or white chocolate to customize flavor profiles and suit different taste preferences.
- Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie dessert option.
- Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for the brownie crust and cheesecake layers.
- Experiment with adding coffee, caramel, or mint extracts to enhance the chocolate flavor and create unique variations.
- Use a food processor or stand mixer to achieve ultra-smooth cream cheese mixture with minimal lumps.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly to allow flavors to develop and improve overall texture and slicing quality.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 496
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 125mg