Name: Death by Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 (225 grams) full size chocolate graham crackers; 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted; 8 ounces (227 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped; 24 ounces (680 grams) full fat cream cheese, softened completely to room temperature; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup (21 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 87 reviews

If you are a chocolate lover seeking the ultimate indulgence, this Death by Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe is exactly what your dessert dreams are made of. Imagine a rich, velvety cheesecake where deep cocoa and smooth semisweet chocolate unite on a buttery chocolate graham cracker crust. Every creamy bite is balanced with just the right touch of sweetness and decadence, making this cheesecake a stunning centerpiece for any gathering or a personal treat that feels like a hug in dessert form. From the melt-in-your-mouth texture to the luxurious ganache topping, this Death by Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe will have you hooked from the very first forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a triple-layered chocolate tart on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark brown crumbly chocolate crust forming a thick edge around the tart. The middle layer is a smooth, lighter brown chocolate mousse filling that fills the crust almost to the top edge. The top layer is a glossy dark chocolate ganache spread evenly with swirling texture on the surface. Around the tart, some chocolate crumbs are scattered. To the right, there is a white spoon with a small amount of the dark chocolate ganache on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; these are straightforward, pantry-friendly essentials that each play a critical role in creating the luscious flavor, perfect texture, and irresistible look of this dessert.

Chocolate graham crackers (15 pieces, 225 grams): The foundation for a crunchy, chocolatey crust that’s so much better than plain graham crackers.
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, 85 grams, melted): Binds the crumbs together and adds buttery richness to the crust.
Semisweet chocolate (8 ounces, chopped): The star player of the filling, providing deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Full fat cream cheese (24 ounces, softened): Creates the creamy, smooth base of the cheesecake with luxurious mouthfeel.
Granulated sugar (1 cup, 200 grams): Sweetness that balances the chocolate’s intensity without overpowering it.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup for filling and 1/2 cup for topping): Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect cheesecake texture and silky ganache topping.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup, sifted): Adds an extra layer of chocolate depth and color to the filling.
Large eggs (4, at room temperature): Essential for structure and smoothness, binding the ingredients perfectly.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt into the topping for a glossy, decadent finish.

How to Make Death by Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and transforming those chocolate graham crackers into finely ground crumbs. Using a food processor makes this quick and effortless. Mix in the melted butter until everything looks moist and press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, covering both the bottom and halfway up the sides. Baking this for 10 minutes unlocks a toasty aroma and firms it up, creating the perfect base to support all that luscious filling that’s coming next.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

While the crust bakes, take your chopped semisweet chocolate and melt it gently in the microwave with 30-second intervals, stirring after each pause. This slow melting prevents burning and ensures a gorgeously smooth chocolate that will blend so well into the cheesecake batter. Let it cool a bit so it won’t scramble the cream cheese when mixed.

Step 3: Create the Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth, then add the sugar, cream, and sifted cocoa powder. This combination is critical— it builds the rich, silky texture while layering in chocolate flavor. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, careful not to overbeat, since overmixing can cause cracks during baking. Finally, fold in your melted chocolate just until combined. The batter will be thick, luscious, and ready to pour over your cooled crust.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the chocolate batter over your crust and place the springform pan onto a rimmed baking sheet for stability. Bake it for about 50 minutes until you notice the top looks slightly dry but the center still has a gentle wobble. Using an instant-read thermometer can help here; 150°F in the center is ideal. Don’t rush to take it out; slightly underbaking is the secret to a creamy interior.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake rest inside for 10 minutes. This gradual cooling helps reduce cracking. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to come to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours. This chilling step is where the flavors meld and the texture sets perfectly.

Step 6: Add the Topping

For the crowning glory, heat heavy cream until just about to simmer and pour it over the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit three minutes before stirring into a glossy ganache that you’ll spread lovingly over your cheesecake. Allow it to cool and thicken slightly for that perfect, luxurious finish that completes this Death by Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe masterpiece.

How to Serve Death by Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

A single slice of chocolate mousse pie sits on a white plate with a few crumbs scattered around. The pie has three layers: a bottom layer of dark chocolate crumb crust, a thick middle layer of light chocolate mousse with a smooth but airy texture, and a shiny, dark chocolate ganache topping. The edges of the crust are slightly ridged, and there are tiny chocolate crumbs sprinkled on top of the ganache. Next to the slice, a fork holds a small piece of the pie, showing the dark crust and light mousse inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like freshly whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a few fresh raspberries add brightness and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. Toasted chopped nuts also bring a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the smooth cheesecake.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened mascarpone for an elevated dessert experience. Fresh fruit like strawberries or cherries can complement the chocolate’s deep flavors and refresh the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, consider plating individual slices with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or caramel sauce. You can also serve mini versions in cute jars or glasses layered with crushed cookie crumbs and mousse for a fun twist on the classic Death by Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and chilled, this cheesecake keeps beautifully wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Proper storage preserves its creamy texture and tantalizing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cheesecake before adding the ganache topping for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and adding the fresh chocolate topping.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t typically recommended. If desired, bring to room temperature before slicing for the best creamy texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the cheesecake?

Absolutely! You can swap semisweet chocolate for bittersweet or even milk chocolate, depending on your preferred sweetness and intensity. Just keep an eye on balance so the cheesecake doesn’t become too sweet or too bitter.

How do I prevent cracks on my cheesecake?

Mix the batter gently without overbeating and avoid sudden temperature changes by letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open. Also, chilling the cheesecake thoroughly helps minimize cracking.

Is it necessary to use a springform pan?

While not absolutely required, a springform pan makes removing the cheesecake hassle-free and preserves its beautiful shape. If you don’t have one, lining a regular pan with parchment paper can be a helpful alternative.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute the chocolate graham crackers with a gluten-free chocolate cookie crumb. Make sure the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free certified.

How long does it take to make the Death by Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe from start to finish?

Including baking and chilling, plan for about 5 hours and 30 minutes, with the majority of that time devoted to chilling the cheesecake to achieve its ideal texture.

Final Thoughts

Making this Death by Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe is a satisfying journey that rewards you with a stunning dessert full of deep chocolate flavors and luxuriously creamy texture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of heaven, this cheesecake promises to impress and delight anyone lucky enough to have a bite. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with chocolate all over again!