Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake

Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, crushed)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks
• 1 cup white chocolate chunks

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

For Garnish:

• Chocolate chips
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   • In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until combined.
   • Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
   • Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
   • Fold in the semisweet and white chocolate chunks.
3. Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake:
   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
   • Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and fill the larger dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this water bath helps prevent cracking).
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is slightly browned.
   • Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
   • Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not let it boil).
   • Remove from heat and add the finely chopped semisweet chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt.
   • Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy.
5. Decorate the Cheesecake:
   • Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
   • Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
   • Garnish with additional chocolate chips and whipped cream if desired.
6. Serve:
   • Slice and serve the cheesecake chilled.

Enjoy your rich and indulgent chocolate chunk cheesecake with a luscious chocolate ganache topping!