Ingredients

For the crust:

1-1/2 cups very finely crushed chocolate cookie crumbs (I use about 30 Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers)
3 Tbs. granulated sugar
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

1/2 cup sour cream
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. instant coffee granules or espresso powder
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature (I use Philadelphia)
3 Tbs. natural, unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
1/4 tsp. table salt
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature

Nutritional Sample Size based on 16 servings
Calories (kcal) : 390
Fat Calories (kcal): 240
Fat (g): 27
Saturated Fat (g): 16
Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 3
Monounsaturated Fat (g): 8
Cholesterol (mg): 100
Sodium (mg): 240
Carbohydrates (g): 35
Fiber (g): 1
Protein (g): 7

Preparation

Make the crust:Heat the oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, stir together the cookie crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using) until blended. Drizzle with the melted butter and mix until well blended and the crumbs are evenly moist. Dump the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and press evenly onto the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the pan (to press, use plastic wrap, a straight-sided, flat-based coffee mug, or a tart tamper). Bake for 10 minutes and set on a wire rack to cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.
Make the filling and bake:Mix the sour cream, vanilla, and coffee granules in a small bowl. Set aside and stir occasionally until the coffee dissolves.
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat (or in a microwave; see the tip at right). Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
在装有桨附件的搅拌器, beat the cream cheese, cocoa powder, and salt until very smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl and paddle frequently (and with each subsequent addition). Add the sugar and continue beating until well blended and smooth. Scrape the cooled chocolate into the bowl; beat until blended. Beat in the sour cream mixture until well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until just blended. (Don’t overbeat the filling once the eggs have been added or the cheesecake will puff too much.) Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spread evenly, and smooth the top. Bake at 300°F until the center barely jiggles when nudged, 50 to 60 minutes. The cake will be slightly puffed, with a few little cracks around the edge. Let cool to room temperature on a rack and then refrigerate until well chilled, at least a few hours, or overnight for the best texture and flavor. (This cake freezes well, too: Put the unmolded cake in the freezer, uncovered, until the top is cold and firm, and then wrap it in two layers of plastic and one layer of foil.)
To serve:Unclasp the pan’s ring, remove it, and run a long, thin metal spatula under the bottom crust. Carefully slide the cake onto a flat serving plate. Run a thin knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and cut the cake into slices, heating and wiping the knife as needed.

Tip

Melt chocolate in the microwave

This shortcut is a great alternative to the traditional method of melting chocolate in a double boiler. Microwaves vary greatly, so you may need to adjust the timing to suit your machine. Put the finely chopped chocolate in a wide, shallow bowl and heat it in the microwave on high or medium high until it just starts to melt, about a minute. Give the chocolate a good stir and microwave it again until it’s almost completely melted, about another 15 to 30 seconds. Remove the bowl and continue stirring until the chocolate is completely melted.

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Reviews (13 reviews)

bessieheath| 01/21/2020

I've made this recipe many times. It's easy and reliable. I've varied the crust to suit the occasion (gluten-free, often). I often pipe whipped cream on top for a little more finished look. I am always the dessert maker among my friends, but this is secretly my favorite choice.
Alyce Morgan| 04/05/2018

Easy, fail-proof chocolate cheesecake for a special occasion. Great every time. When someone new tastes it, they request it for THEIR birthday!
rebeccachoc| 05/16/2017

This is the best chocolate cheesecake I have ever tasted. My family loved it. I think the expresso powder and sour cream (instead of using heavy cream which I used in another chocolate cheesecake before) made a big difference in the flavor. Using a good quality chocolate makes a big difference too. I used Ghiradelli bittersweet chocolate. The only change I made was I used 24 crushed Oreo cookies (filling included) for my crust and I used a water bath (as I do with all my cheesecakes) and there were no cracks. I baked mine at 325 degrees for 70 min. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I will be making it again.
Harperfirst| 05/25/2014

This recipe is absolutely fabulous! Much better than the Cheesecake Factory's Chocolate Cheesecake. I think the Expresso really brings out the chocolate flavor. Not quick and easy to make but time well spent. Get ready for all the complements.