Description
This Vanilla Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust features a rich and creamy vanilla filling atop a crunchy chocolate cookie crust. Baked to perfection, it is topped with light whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh strawberries, making it an elegant and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
Topping
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookies, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely while preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth texture.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until the filling is smooth and silky with no lumps.
- Prepare for Baking: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled chocolate crust and spread evenly.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Chill the Cheesecake: After cooling in the oven, allow the cheesecake to reach room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to fully set and enhance the flavors.
- Decorate: Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top of the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries to add a beautiful finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Using a water bath during baking can help achieve a creamier texture, though it is optional.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly for best slicing results.
- Fresh strawberries can be substituted with other fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries.
