Here’s a decadent Chocolate Basque Cheesecake recipe! This rich, creamy dessert has a deep, chocolate flavor with the signature caramelized top that makes Basque cheesecakes so special.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos or any chocolate biscuit)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake:
- 2 pounds (900g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper extends above the sides of the pan to create a “collar” for the cheesecake to rise.
2. Prepare the Crust:
- In a small bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until fully combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even crust. Use a spoon or your fingers to press it down firmly.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until slightly firm. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the heavy cream, sour cream, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and a pinch of salt. Mix until completely smooth and well combined.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown, cracked, and the center is slightly jiggly (it will firm up as it cools).
- Keep an eye on it as the top can get dark quickly, but the caramelized look is part of the Basque cheesecake’s charm.
5. Cool and Chill:
- Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set.
6. Serve:
- Once chilled, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Slice and serve. Optionally, dust with cocoa powder or top with whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra touch.
Enjoy your creamy, rich Chocolate Basque Cheesecake, with that irresistible caramelized top and a smooth chocolate flavor that’s sure to impress! 🍫🧀
