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If you have a love for decadent desserts that combine rich, velvety textures with bursts of intense chocolate flavor, then you are absolutely going to adore this Chocolate Fudge Truffle Cheesecake Recipe. This show-stopping creation brings together a luscious chocolate crust, a silky smooth cream cheese filling infused with bittersweet chocolate, and a glossy ganache topping that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect harmony of sweet and slightly bittersweet that will enchant anyone lucky enough to take a bite. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging in a well-deserved treat, this cheesecake delivers pure chocolate bliss in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny silver bowl holds a smooth layer of glossy melted chocolate, evenly spread inside with some light reflections creating white shapes on the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a small piece of red cloth with white patterns peeking out from underneath it. The chocolate is rich brown with a shiny, wet texture inside the bowl, which has a clean, rounded edge photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients come together to create this masterpiece. Each element plays a crucial role, from the crunchy graham cracker crust to the rich chocolate filling and silky ganache, ensuring an irresistible balance of texture and flavor.

1 cup graham crackers (crushed): Provides a buttery, crunchy base that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and filling for a balanced flavor.
1/4 cup baking cocoa: Intensifies the chocolate flavor right from the crust.
1/4 cup melted butter: Holds the crust together and adds a rich, smooth mouthfeel.
12 oz bittersweet chocolate chips: Essential for the decadent melted chocolate filling, Ghirardelli is ideal for the best taste.
24 oz cream cheese (room temperature): The creamy base that makes the cheesecake so irresistibly smooth.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without overpowering the chocolate.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note for depth of flavor.
3 tablespoons baking cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate intensity in the filling, using Ghirardelli ensures a rich finish.
5 large eggs: Bind the filling and provide structure so it sets perfectly.
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds silkiness and smooths out the cheesecake texture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolate notes with warm, aromatic undertones.
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate bar: For the luscious ganache and elegant chocolate shavings on top.
2/3 cups heavy whipping cream: Mixed with the chocolate bar for a velvety ganache topping.
2 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds shine and richness to the ganache.
Reddi-Wip: A classic whipped topping for a light, airy finish when serving.
Chocolate syrup: Perfect for drizzling and adding an extra chocolate flourish to each plate.

How to Make Chocolate Fudge Truffle Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by warming your oven to 325℉ and gather all your ingredients and tools. Having everything within reach is a game-changer and helps keep the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Prepare the Cocoa-Infused Graham Cracker Crust

First, crush your graham crackers finely by placing them in a freezer bag and rolling with a pin until you have about a cup of crumbs. Combine these crumbs with granulated sugar and baking cocoa in a bowl, then stir in the melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the chocolatey crust. This crust’s subtly cocoa essence sets a flavorful foundation for the rich filling.

Step 3: Melt the Bittersweet Chocolate

Set up a double boiler by filling the bottom pot with about a third of water and heating it to a simmer. Place the bittersweet chocolate chips in the top bowl and let them slowly melt from the steam heat, stirring occasionally until silky smooth. Turn off the heat and set aside so it cools slightly without hardening.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

Place your softened cream cheese in a food processor and pulse until completely smooth and free of lumps. Add both sugars and the cocoa powder then pulse again to combine evenly. Next, add the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract and mix just until blended. Finally, pour in the melted bittersweet chocolate and pulse until the filling is a glorious, uniform chocolate batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the creamy filling over your prepared crust and spread it evenly. Place the springform pan on the oven’s middle rack and bake for 75 to 80 minutes. The cheesecake should look mostly set but with a gentle jiggle in the center — this ensures a perfectly creamy middle once fully chilled.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Run a knife gently around the edges to loosen the cake, then let it cool completely on a wire rack. Afterward, cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Step 7: Create the Ganache Topping

Microwave the heavy cream and butter until melted and hot, then stir in broken pieces of the semi-sweet chocolate bar. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until completely smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature before pouring it over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 8: Garnish and Set Ganache

Once the ganache is spread evenly, grate leftover chocolate into delicate shavings and sprinkle them over the top for stunning texture and extra chocolate pop. Let it set at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

How to Serve Chocolate Fudge Truffle Cheesecake Recipe

A slice of three-layer chocolate cake sits on a white plate with a delicate red and green pattern and a yellow rim, placed on a red floral cloth. The bottom layer is a slightly crumbly dark brown chocolate cake, the middle layer is a thick, smooth, lighter chocolate mousse, and the top layer is a dense, glossy chocolate ganache decorated with small chocolate shavings. Next to the slice, there is a swirl of white whipped cream on top of a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce forming a loose pattern on the plate. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your cheesecake presentation, add a generous swirl of Reddi-Wip and a drizzle of chocolate syrup on each plate. The whipped topping adds lightness, while the syrup layers in extra moist sweetness with every bite.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The fruity brightness or cool creaminess balances the deep chocolate flavor delightfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning look, serve slices on dark plates to contrast the pale cheesecake and glossy ganache. You can also pipe delicate rosettes of whipped cream along each slice’s edge or dust with edible gold powder for a special occasion flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cheesecake, keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. Wrapped properly, it stays fresh for up to 5 days, making it just as indulgent the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this cheesecake for longer storage by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain the perfect creamy consistency.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary. If you want a slight temperature lift, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes—it softens the ganache and filling for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate?

While milk chocolate will make the cheesecake sweeter and creamier, it won’t have the same rich depth of flavor as bittersweet. Bittersweet balances the sugar in the recipe and gives that classic fudge-like quality, so if you love intense chocolate, stick to bittersweet.

Do I need a water bath for baking this cheesecake?

This recipe doesn’t require a water bath because the relatively low baking temperature and oven time allow the cheesecake to set beautifully without cracking. Just be sure not to overbake for a smooth texture.

How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface?

To minimize cracking, avoid overmixing the filling and don’t overbake. Also, after baking, gently loosen the edges and let the cheesecake cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free graham crackers or use chocolate cookie crumbs certified gluten-free for the crust. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is it possible to make this cheesecake in smaller portions?

Absolutely! This recipe can be halved or even divided into individual cups or mini springform pans. Adjust baking time as needed and keep an eye on the center for doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Fudge Truffle Cheesecake Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of everything wonderful about chocolate combined with creamy cheesecake decadence. Whether it’s for a holiday, a party, or a special “just because” moment, it promises joy and indulgence in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you do, it will undoubtedly become a treasured favorite to share with your loved ones time and time again.

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