The Best Chocolate Cheesecake

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 20 mins **Crust:** In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Press firmly into the bottom and 1 1/2 inches up the sides of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). (20 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins **Filling:** In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chocolate chips. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add cocoa powder and beat until well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the melted chocolate mixture. Pour the filling over the cooled crust. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 1 hrs Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking. (1 hour)

Recipe View 1 hrs After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a thin knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it. Let cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. (1 hour)

Recipe View 5 mins **Topping:** Place 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until just simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate. Gently stir until smooth and glossy. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 4 hrs Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake, spreading evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set completely. (4+ hours)

Recipe View Before serving, release the sides of the springform pan and carefully transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate. Garnish as desired. Enjoy!