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Katie's Cucina » Recipes » Dessert

Dark Chocolate Cheesecake

Published: Dec 9, 2019 · Modified: Jan 25, 2021 by Katie · This post may contain affiliate links

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Slice of plated Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake in front of remaining cheesecake with pinterest title text.

This post was sponsored by AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate as part of an Influencer Campaign for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

A decadent Dark Chocolate Cheesecake covered in a layer of dark chocolate ganache. Topped with fresh raspberries and finely grated dark chocolate.

dark chocolate cheesecake decorated with circle of raspberries on cake stand next to two plated slices.

I definitely consider myself more of an everyday savory cook rather than a baker. However, I do have a few go-to dessert recipes that you can always find me baking. Cheesecake is one of them. I love cheesecake which is probably why I learned how to make it at a young age (compliments of my mom).

I love a classic New York style cheesecake. However, I also love the fun flavored cheesecake as well. When my friends at AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate reached out and asked if I would create a recipe and I did a little research, I knew I wanted to make a Dark Chocolate Cheesecake. Nothing is more decadent than rich dark chocolate.

Table of contents

  • All about AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate
  • How do you make Chocolate Cheesecake?
  • Tips & Tricks
  • FAQs
  • Cheesecake Recipes
mother, young daughter, and young son interacting and smiling while decorating cheesecake with raspberries.


Thanks to their Finely Grated Chocolate, I knew that making a dark chocolate cheesecake would be much easier and less cumbersome with the help of the pre-grated chocolate. It melts perfectly every time and in seconds! This is exactly what I need being a busy work-from-home mom of two young kids.

American Heritage Chocolate package next to plated cheesecake with raspberries, cup of brown powder, and whisk.

All about AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate

If you’re like me, I hadn’t heard of AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate until this campaign. Once I started doing some research, I knew the brand was a perfect fit for myself and my readers! AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate contains vanilla, orange peel and cinnamon spices. This is the same way early American chocolate makers used to flavor their chocolate. These spices from around the world have been blended directly into the cocoa.

closeup american heritage chocolate package next to whisk and half of plate of cheesecake.

Their chocolate recipe is based on the authentic recipe from the 1700s. The spices are what elevate recipes that feature AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate.

Since grating chocolate can be tiresome, AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate came up with a solution. Their Finely Grated Chocolate makes it easy to melt chocolate perfectly, every time! AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate replaces semi-sweet chocolate with a perfect one-to-one ratio in any recipe.

How do you make Chocolate Cheesecake?

First, you’ll want to preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Then using a food processor place the chocolate cream-filled cookies and blend until fine (about 30 seconds). While the cookies blend, melt the butter. Empty the cookie crumbs into the melted butter bowl. Add in the granulated sugar and mix well until fully incorporated.

Pat the cookie crust into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set to the side.

While the cookie crust bakes, prepare the filling. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the room temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-low speed for 1 minute. Then add in the room temperature eggs, one-by-one. Mix for an additional 1 minute. Stop the mixer, scrape down the bowl, then turn the mixer on low and add in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder.

side view of woman stirring american heritage finely grated dark chocolate in glass bowl on counter.

Melt the AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate Finely Grated Chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds. Mix well until melted together then. Let cool slightly. Then turn the mixer on low and pour the dark chocolate into the cheesecake batter. Increase speed to medium and mix for 30 seconds until incorporated.

Closeup top view of dark chocolate frosted cake decorated with raspberries as lining.

Pour the cheesecake batter into the springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 65 minutes. The cheesecake will be jiggly when it’s removed from the oven. Remove from the oven. Carefully run a sharp knife around the edge of the cheesecake. Allow the chocolate cheesecake to cool to room temperature for at least 1 hour. Then chill for at least 6 hours in the refrigerator.


Before you’re ready to serve, make the topping. Microwave (or heat over a double boiler) the ¾ cup of AMERICAN HERITAGE Finely Grated Chocolate with 3 tablespoons heavy cream for 30 seconds. Stir well, then pour on top of the cheesecake. Smooth with a silicone spatula. Once the dark chocolate ganache has smoothed out, rinse and pat dry 12 fresh raspberries. Space the raspberries accordingly or bunch in the middle. Cut and serve immediately.

Plated slice of dark chocolate cheesecake with fresh raspberries on red tablecloth with forks.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks I have when making chocolate cheesecake.

  • Water Bath – You do not need to do a water-bath for this cheesecake.
  • Cracks in Cheesecake – It’s okay to have cracks in the cheesecake. They will be filled by the dark chocolate ganache topping.
  • Toppings – On top of making the dark chocolate ganache you can top cheesecake with fresh fruit like raspberries shown above, whipped cream, or strawberry compote.
  • Store – Store the leftover cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Dark Chocolate Cheesecake decorated with circle of raspberries on cake stand in front of window.

FAQs

Where can you buy AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate?

You might be wondering where you can purchase AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate? You can buy it directly on Amazon! You will find the 12-ounce Finely Grated Chocolate bags, chocolate Tasting Squares, and chocolate Tablet Bars.

Do you need to water bath a cheesecake?

The purpose of a water bath is to prevent cracking in your cheesecake. The answer is mixed. I’ll be honest, I don’t always water bath my cheesecakes. Especially if you are planning to top the cheesecake. I also use a 9-inch springform pan which is quite difficult to find a larger oven-proof container that I can add water to. I’ve added water to a baking sheet but then have to open the oven halfway through to add more water to the baking sheet. My answer is going to be a solid “no” unless you aren’t topping your prized cheesecake!

What is the difference between New York style cheesecake and regular?

Regular cheesecake or french style cheesecake is mostly heavy cream and sour cream which thins the batter and create a silkier, creamier texture. For a dense thick cheesecake the New York cheesecake is mainly cream cheese and egg. This makes for a much richer cheesecake.

Cheesecake Recipes

mother and son smile at eachother over cheesecake while daughter sits next to cake smiling at it.

Looking for more cheesecake recipes? Here are a few of my favorites.

  • No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
  • Apple Cheesecake Bars
  • Dulce de Leche No Bake Cheesecake
  • Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes

If you’re looking to impress family and friends or simply craving a decadent cheesecake I hope you’ll give my Chocolate Cheesecake recipe a try.

If you make this chocolate cheesecake recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!

Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, and subscribe to my email list! This recipe is available as a Google Web Story.

Slice of plated Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake in front of remaining cheesecake and bag of chocolate.

Dark Chocolate Cheesecake

A decadent Dark Chocolate Cheesecake covered in a layer of dark chocolate ganache. Topped with fresh raspberries and finely grated dark chocolate.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Calories: 486kcal
Author: Katie

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 20 Chocolate Cream Filled Cookies
  • ¼ cup salted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Filling:

  • 4 8 oz. packages of cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup AMERICAN HERITAGE Finely Grated Chocolate

For the Topping:

  • ¾ cup AMERICAN HERITAGE Finely Grated Chocolate
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 12 fresh raspberries

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a food processor, place the chocolate cream filled cookies and blend until fine (about 30 seconds). While the cookies blend, melt the butter. Empty the cookie crumbs into the melted butter bowl. Add in the  granulated sugar and mix well until fully incorporated. 
  • Pat the cookie crust into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set to the side.
  • While the cookie crust bakes, prepare the filling. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the room temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-low speed for 1 minute. Then add in the room temperature eggs, one-by-one. Mix for an additional 1 minute. Stop the mixer, scrape down the bowl, then turn the mixer on low and add in  the vanilla extract and cocoa powder. 
  • Melt the AMERICAN HERITAGE  Finely Grated Chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds. Mix well until melted together then. Let cool slightly. Then turn the mixer on low and pour the dark chocolate into the cheesecake batter. Increase speed to medium and mix for 30 seconds until incorporated.
  • Pour the cheesecake batter into the springform pan.  Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 65 minutes. The cheesecake will be jiggly when it's removed from the oven. Remove from the oven. Carefully run a sharp knife around the edge of the cheesecake. Allow the chocolate cheesecake to cool to room temperature for at least 1 hour. Then chill for at least 6 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Before you're ready to serve, you need to finish the top of the cheesecake. Microwave (or heat over a double boiler) the ¾ cup of AMERICAN HERITAGE Finely Grated Chocolate with 3 tablespoons heavy cream for 30 seconds. Stir well, then pour on top of the cheesecake. Smooth with a silicone spatula. Once the dark chocolate ganache has smoothed out, rinse and pat dry 12 fresh raspberries. Space accordingly or bunch in the middle. Cut and serve immediately.

Notes

Note: You do not need to do a water-bath for this cheesecake. It’s okay to have cracks in the cheesecake. They will be filled by the dark chocolate ganache topping. Store the leftover cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 643IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 5mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @KatieJasiewicz or tag #katiescucina!

Disclosure: There are affiliate links present in this post. That means if you click on a link and purchase something. I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continuous support of Katie’s Cucina!

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About Katie

Katie is a busy mom of 2 children who loves to feed her family delicious meals that don't take hours to cook! She started her blog 15 years ago as a way to help others get cooking in the kitchen.

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I'm Katie Jasiewicz: home cook, food blogger, and recipe developer. A busy mom of two children who loves to feed her family delicious meals that don’t take hours to cook! My mission is to create easy-to-make modern comfort food for the busy family. (more)

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