Black Magic Chocolate Cheesecake | Decadent Halloween Dessert
Bake this rich Black Magic Chocolate Cheesecake — a dark, glossy, and decadent dessert perfect for Halloween or any chocolate lover’s dream.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1/2 cup chocolate ganache (semi-sweet or dark chocolate preferred)
Instructions
- repare the pan. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment for easy release.
- Make the crust. Mix Oreo crumbs and melted butter until the texture resembles damp sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust. Chill while preparing the filling.
- Create the filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until silky and smooth. Add cocoa powder and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition — just until blended. (Overmixing adds unwanted air and can cause cracks.)
- Bake the cheesecake. Pour the batter over the chilled crust. Smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly when moved.
- Cool gradually. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour. Then cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the fridge.
- Chill and set. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best). This allows the texture to firm up and flavors to deepen.
- Add the ganache. Once chilled, spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top. For a spooky twist, drizzle thin lines of ganache in a web pattern — or use white chocolate for contrast.
- Slice and serve. Run a sharp knife under hot water before slicing for clean edges. Serve cold, and brace yourself for silence at the first bite.