This rich Chocolate Cheesecake does not require baking or gelatine. It features a chocolate crust, a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, and a layer of chocolate ganache on top. The dessert is beautifully finished with swirls of cream and chocolate shavings, making it look more special. This cheesecake is quite indulgent, boasting a deep chocolate flavor, perfect for special occasions or for treating a chocolate enthusiast. Despite its richness, it is not overly sweet due to a careful amount of sugar and the tanginess of cream cheese, providing a nice balance.
This cheesecake is also user-friendly for cooks because it does not require baking, eliminating the fear of cracks on top, and it avoids gelatine, which some find intimidating. Instead, melted chocolate helps to set the cheesecake, which is a wonderful alternative. As the filling cools, it firms up nicely, allowing for clean slices while offering a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth experience.
The recipe includes several layers: a chocolate base made from Oreo cookies, a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, and a chocolate ganache topping. Cream is piped around the edge, and the cake is adorned with chocolate shavings.
To maximize the chocolate flavor, both melted chocolate and cocoa powder are used in the recipe. While too much melted chocolate can make the filling denser when chilled, cocoa powder adds flavor without affecting the creamy texture. The recipe emphasizes using chocolate with a cocoa percentage of at least 70% to ensure the filling sets correctly. If a lower cocoa chocolate is used, the filling will be softer.
Block chocolate is recommended for melting; however, if using callets or wafers, chopping is not necessary. It’s important to select chocolate from the baking aisle, as confectionery chocolate may not melt properly. Lindt 70% chocolate is one exception that works well in baking. Dark chocolate can also be used, but it may result in a softer filling and less intense chocolate flavor.
Additionally, block-form cream cheese is needed for this recipe, as tub cream cheese is too soft to help the filling set. However, there are adjustments for using tub cream cheese if needed. Regular unsweetened cocoa powder is included for an extra chocolate boost, which is bloomed in hot water to enhance its flavor. Caster sugar, or superfine sugar, is suggested for easy dissolving.
Have you tried making a cheesecake like this before?
Sources:
Source: RecipeTin Eats, by Nagi