Rich Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

If you are looking for a rich and dense chocolate cheesecake recipe, this one is for you.

First: Set your cream cheese and eggs out for at least 20 minutes before you start making this cheesecake.

Ingredients for the Crust:

• 1 cup chocolate graham crackers (crushed into crumbs)
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Put in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. When you take out of the oven, place on a cooling rack.

In a double boiler or metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips with the half-and-half. Stir this mixture as the chocolate melts until it is completely smooth. Make sure it is thoroughly blended, then set it aside.

In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth with your electric mixer.

Whisk each egg and blend into the mixture one at a time. Next, blend in vanilla and melted chocolate mixture. Remember, do not overbeat.

Pour the cheesecake batter into the springform pan on top of the crust.

Bake this chocolate cheesecake for 55 to 60 minutes or until the filling is set.

Take the cheesecake out of the oven and place on a cooling rack. Then, take a spatula and go around the sides for pan to release the cake. This will keep it from cracking.

Cool on a rack until just warm. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours before removing from pan.