Craving a rich, creamy dessert with a touch of indulgence? If you’re a fan of cheesecakes and have a soft spot for chocolate chip cookies, then this chocolate chip cheesecake recipe is what dessert dreams are made of. With a crispy Oreo crust, rich cream cheese filling packed with chocolate chips, and the ultimate chocolate ganache topping, this is a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Let’s break this recipe down into easy-to-follow steps, so you can create this mouthwatering treat like a pro. We’ll start with the crust, go through the cheesecake filling, move on to the luscious chocolate ganache topping, and finish with tips on storing and serving this decadent dessert.
Making the Oreo Crust
The foundation of this cheesecake is its buttery, crunchy Oreo crust that perfectly complements the smoothness of the cheesecake filling.
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies (includes both wafers and filling)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions for the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the oven is ready when you’re done prepping the crust.
- Crush the Oreo Cookies : Using a food processor or placing the Oreos in a large freezer bag and smashing them with a rolling pin, crush the cookies until you get fine crumbs. Make sure to include both the cookie wafers and the filling—this adds an extra level of richness to the crust.
- Combine with Melted Butter : Transfer the crushed cookies to a bowl and mix them with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The melted butter acts as the binder for the crust, ensuring it holds together beautifully.
- Press into a Springform Pan : Take your 9-inch springform pan (don’t forget to wrap the outside with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath process!) and press the Oreo mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a flat glass to really pack it down.
- Bake : Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This sets the crust, allowing it to become crunchy once everything is baked together. Remove from the oven and set aside, but keep the oven on for the next steps.
Preparing the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Filling
Now that we have the Oreo crust ready, it’s time to take this cheesecakey goodness up a notch with a velvety, rich filling. What really sets this cheesecake apart is the blend of full-fat cream cheese, creamy sour cream, and little bursts of chocolate chips in every bite.
Ingredients for the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces (3 blocks) full-fat, brick-style cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions for the Cheesecake Filling:
- Start with Softened Cream Cheese : In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or stand mixer) to beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, about 3-4 minutes. It’s important that the cream cheese is fully softened; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumpy cheesecake.
- Add Sugar & Cornstarch : Gradually add in the cup of sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Cornstarch is then mixed in as well—this tiny bit of starch helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking during baking.
- Incorporate Sour Cream : Next, slowly mix in the sour cream. Make sure it’s at room temperature to ensure everything blends evenly. The sour cream adds a slight tanginess and creates extra creaminess in the texture.
- Add Eggs One by One : Lightly whisk the 3 eggs in a small separate bowl, then gradually beat them into the cream cheese mixture, one at a time. Be mindful not to overmix here—overbeating the eggs can cause the cheesecake to puff up too much and then collapse while cooling, which could lead to cracks.
- Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips : Using a spatula, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. These are key to giving the cheesecake that extra layer of chocolate love in every bite! Make sure they’re evenly distributed for that perfect balance of flavors.
- Assemble & Set Up Water Bath : Take your Oreo crust and place the springform pan (still wrapped in foil) in a large roasting pan. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly. Next, pour about ½-1 inch of water into the roasting pan around the springform pan. This water bath helps regulate the temperature during baking and keeps the cheesecake ultra-creamy.
- Bake the Cheesecake : Carefully place the entire roasting pan and springform pan combo into your preheated oven and bake at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes . The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the middle still has a slight wobble. Don’t worry if the center looks undercooked—it will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Cool the Cheesecake : Turn off the oven and open the door slightly to let the cheesecake cool gradually for about 1 hour. This step helps prevent any sudden temperature changes that might cause cracks. Once it has reached room temperature, gently run a thin knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan, then cover the top with aluminum foil and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
The waiting game begins—this is where cheesecake transforms from good to absolutely mind-blowing. Letting it rest overnight allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a perfectly set texture when you slice into it.
Making the Chocolate Ganache Topping
What could make this cheesecake even better? A decadent chocolate ganache, of course! This rich, silky topping adds the perfect final touch, turning this dessert into pure chocolate bliss. The combination of dark chocolate and whipping cream melts together to create a luscious ganache that drips beautifully down the sides of the cheesecake.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 ounces dark chocolate (about 50% cocoa) or semi-sweet chocolate
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- Chocolate kisses (optional—totally for extra flair!)
Instructions for the Ganache:
- Chop the Chocolate : Start by chopping your chocolate into small pieces and placing them in a heatproof bowl. The smaller you chop the chocolate, the easier and faster it melts into the cream.
- Heat the Cream : In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it’s just about to boil. Be careful not to let it scorch—once tiny bubbles start to form along the edges, it’s ready.
- Combine and Mix : Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes to allow the heat from the cream to soften the chocolate. After waiting, whisk the mixture until it’s completely smooth and glossy. This silky ganache is what dreams are made of!
- Pour Over the Cheesecake : Remove the cheesecake from the fridge and unclamp the outer ring of the springform pan. Place the cheesecake on a serving dish. Carefully pour the ganache over the top of the cheesecake, starting from the center and letting it slowly drip down the sides. Feel free to use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it out for more elegant drips down the edges.
- Optional Decoration : If you’re feeling fancy, place chocolate kisses around the edges of the cheesecake for an extra burst of rich chocolate—and that “wow” factor when it comes to presentation. You could also add some mini chocolate chips or sprinkles if you’d like!
- Set the Ganache : Once the ganache is beautifully covering your cheesecake, pop it back in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the ganache set. This will give the topping that perfect glossy, slightly firm texture.
Now your cheesecake is a chocolate lover’s paradise! With the chocolate ganache setting in the fridge, you’re almost ready to dig into this masterpiece.
Serving & Storing Your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
With the chocolate ganache perfectly set and all your hard work paying off, it’s time to think about serving up your beautiful chocolate chip cheesecake and ensuring any leftovers stay fresh so you can savor the goodness a little longer.
Serving the Cheesecake:
- Slice it Like a Pro : When slicing your cheesecake, use a sharp knife. To get those clean, professional cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each slice. This step ensures each slice comes out smooth, without any messy edges or chocolate chips sticking to the blade.
- Customize Your Presentation : For a special touch, you can drizzle each slice with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. You could also top the slice with whipped cream and fresh berries for a beautiful contrast in flavor. The sweetness of the ganache balances perfectly with tart raspberries or strawberries!
- Perfect Pairings : Want to take it up a notch? Serve your cheesecake alongside a cup of strong coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The bitterness of the coffee or the coolness of the ice cream will contrast beautifully with the sweet richness of the cheesecake.
Storing Leftovers:
Refrigeration :
After you’ve served up your masterpiece, leftovers can be stored in the fridge. Cheesecake can develop even more flavor after resting overnight, so here’s how to keep it in tip-top shape:
- How to Store : Place any remaining slices in an airtight container or cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in.
- How Long It Lasts : When stored properly in the fridge, your cheesecake will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days . It can serve as the perfect make-ahead dessert for a week’s worth of indulgent treats.
Freezing :
Not planning to eat it all within the next few days? No worries! You can easily save your cheesecake by freezing it.
- How to Freeze : First, chill the cheesecake in the fridge as-is for a few hours to firm it up. Then, wrap individual slices (or the whole cheesecake) tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn.
- How Long It Lasts : Cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2 months .
- Thawing : To enjoy your frozen cheesecake, transfer it to the fridge and let it thaw overnight for best results. It’ll taste as fresh and delightful as day one.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a rich, creamy, chocolate chip cheesecake with the perfect Oreo crust, velvety filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice. Whether you’re making this dessert for a special occasion or just indulging in your love for all things chocolate, every bite brings together layers of flavor and texture that are pure indulgence.
Plus, with these simple steps, you now have the tools to create this show-stopping dessert over and over again. Each time you make it, you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste, experiment with different toppings, or even change up the type of chocolate for the ganache.
So go ahead, take a bow—you’ve crafted a dessert that looks like it came straight from a gourmet bakery, and now it’s just waiting to be enjoyed!