Decadent Triple Chocolate Cheesecake: Your Ultimate Guide to an Oreo Crust Masterpiece

For every true chocolate aficionado, there’s a dessert that stands above the rest – and this Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with its irresistible Oreo crust and luxurious chocolate ganache is undeniably it. Imagine layers of deep, rich chocolate flavor: a crunchy, buttery cookie base, a lusciously creamy chocolate filling, all crowned with a glistening, intensely flavored chocolate ganache. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a symphony of textures and tastes designed to captivate even the most discerning palate.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for the perfect showstopper for a dinner party, or simply craving a moment of pure, unadulterated indulgence, this recipe delivers. It combines simplicity with elegance, ensuring that even home bakers can achieve a professional-looking and tasting cheesecake without the fuss of a water bath. Prepare to impress and delight with every single decadent slice.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with an Oreo cookie crust

When life calls for a moment of pure indulgence, whether it’s winding down after a long week or settling in for a cozy evening with your favorite show, a truly exceptional dessert is key. Lately, I’ve found myself rediscovering the joy of classic TV series, much like finding a hidden gem in the library’s DVD collection. It’s a fantastic way to catch up on shows you missed or revisit old favorites. From re-watching every episode of Parks and Recreation, an absolute must-see, to finally completing The Office (yes, even after Steve Carell’s departure!), these shows provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing night in.

My latest obsession has been “30 Rock.” I can’t believe I hadn’t watched it sooner! Tina Fey is brilliant as Liz Lemon, the head writer of a live sketch comedy show. Her character is refreshingly real – a capable manager, yet wonderfully awkward and hilariously obsessed with food. Her iconic line, “That guy wanted to buy you a drink! Really? But I already have a drink. Do you think he’d buy me mozzarella sticks?”, perfectly encapsulates her relatable charm. And while my personal comfort food vice might lean more towards a basket of crispy onion rings, I’m absolutely certain that Liz Lemon, with her subscription to cheese and steak of the month clubs, would be completely smitten with this magnificent Triple Chocolate Cheesecake.

Crafting the Perfect Triple Chocolate Cheesecake: Layers of Delight

This cheesecake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a meticulously crafted experience, bringing together three distinct chocolate elements into a harmonious whole. Each layer plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream, from its sturdy base to its glossy crown.

The Irresistible Foundation: A Buttery Oreo Cookie Crust

Every truly great cheesecake begins with a stellar foundation, and for this triple chocolate masterpiece, that means a rich, crumbly Oreo cookie crust. Made from finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) and melted butter, this crust offers the perfect balance of sweetness and a slightly salty note, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the smooth filling. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a quick mix and press into your springform pan. The deep, dark chocolate flavor of the Oreos complements the cheesecake filling beautifully, setting the stage for the decadence to come. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-made crust; it’s the first bite that hints at the delicious journey ahead and ensures every forkful is a delight.

The Velvety Heart: Creamy Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

The core of our Triple Chocolate Cheesecake is its luxuriously smooth and intensely chocolatey filling. We achieve this by using high-quality semisweet chocolate, melted and incorporated into a creamy blend of full-fat, room-temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, and eggs. The secret to a silky, crack-free cheesecake lies in ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature and avoiding overmixing. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which expands during baking and contracts during cooling, often leading to unsightly cracks. This recipe celebrates simplicity by skipping the traditional water bath, making it more accessible for home bakers without sacrificing quality. As long as you follow the simple directions, don’t overmix, and most crucially, avoid overbaking, you’ll achieve a perfect, tender center every time that is rich in chocolate flavor and wonderfully smooth.

The Grand Finale: Silky Chocolate Ganache Topping

To truly earn its “triple chocolate” title, this cheesecake is crowned with a decadent pour of homemade chocolate ganache. For those unfamiliar with this divine confection, ganache is an elegant, yet surprisingly simple, chocolate glaze or filling made from just two ingredients: quality chocolate and hot heavy cream. The magic lies in the ratio of these two components. For this recipe, we use a balanced 1:1 ratio (by weight or volume, depending on the desired precision and chocolate type, though equal volume often works perfectly for semi-sweet chips in home recipes). This specific ratio ensures the ganache will harden just enough to create a beautiful, glossy glaze on top of your cheesecake. It won’t be rock-hard like a magic shell, but it will set to a soft, fudge-like consistency that you can touch without it melting everywhere, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy cheesecake below. Mastering ganache is a foundational skill for any dessert lover, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! For a more in-depth guide, complete with step-by-step photos, learn how to make ganache perfectly every time.

If you’re looking for a smaller cheesecake option that still delivers all the chocolatey goodness, be sure to check out my 6-inch chocolate cheesecake recipe. It’s the same fantastic recipe, perfectly adjusted for a smaller pan size, ideal for smaller gatherings or when you want just enough for a few special servings. Alternatively, for a portable and shareable chocolate treat that’s perfect for parties or lunchboxes, my Oreo cheesecake cookies offer a non-perishable twist on cheesecake enjoyment.

Achieving Cheesecake Perfection: Tips for a Crack-Free Masterpiece

Last month, I shared my recipe for a Classic Cheesecake, which proved incredibly popular. Now, for all the chocoholics out there (myself included!), it’s time to elevate that experience with this sensational chocolate version. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability, particularly because it doesn’t require a water bath – a common source of intimidation for many bakers. You can achieve a truly stunning result without any complex techniques.

The secret to a stunning, crack-free cheesecake lies in a few key steps: First, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at true room temperature. This allows them to blend smoothly without lumps and prevents overmixing. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, but once the eggs and melted chocolate are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks. Second, always use the correct pan size (a 9-inch springform pan is essential for the stated baking times). And perhaps most crucially, avoid overbaking. Your cheesecake is ready when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight wobble when gently shaken. It will continue to cook slightly as it cools and sets further during refrigeration. Even if, by some small chance, a hairline crack appears, remember that a generous pour of our decadent chocolate ganache will elegantly cover any imperfections, making your cheesecake look and taste absolutely flawless. Patience during cooling and chilling is also vital for the perfect texture.

Understanding and Mastering Chocolate Ganache

When I mention “chocolate ganache” to some, I often get that “deer in the headlights” look, followed by the question, “Ganache? What exactly is that?” It’s a term that sounds sophisticated, but the process itself is incredibly simple and yields astonishingly delicious results. Chocolate ganache is essentially a rich, versatile chocolate glaze or filling made by combining melted chocolate with hot heavy cream. This seemingly humble combination transforms into a luxurious, glossy sauce that can be poured, whipped, or shaped depending on its consistency.

The beauty of ganache lies in its adaptability, primarily controlled by the ratio of chocolate to cream. A higher chocolate ratio will result in a thicker, firmer ganache, suitable for truffles, firm fillings, or piping decorations. Conversely, a higher cream ratio yields a thinner, pourable consistency, perfect for glazes and drizzles. For this Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, we specifically use a balanced 1:1 ratio (equal parts by weight, or for a home cook, roughly equal volume for semi-sweet chocolate chips). This particular ratio ensures the ganache will harden just enough to create a beautiful, glossy glaze on top of your cheesecake. It won’t be rock-hard like a magic shell, but it will set to a soft, fudge-like consistency that you can touch without it melting everywhere. This provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy cheesecake below, adding another layer of indulgence. Mastering ganache is a foundational skill for any dessert lover, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! For a more in-depth guide, complete with step-by-step photos, learn how to make ganache perfectly every time.

As I quickly make my way through all the seasons of 30 Rock, I’m already thinking about my next TV series marathon. What shows do you recommend for a cozy night in, ideally paired with a slice of this heavenly chocolate cheesecake? Share your favorites in the comments below!

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

Yield:
8-10 servings

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
40 minutes

Chill Time
:
4 hours

Total Time:
5 hours 10 minutes

This irresistible 9-inch Triple Chocolate Cheesecake features a buttery Oreo crust, creamy chocolate filling, and a rich chocolate ganache topping. A dream come true for chocolate lovers!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (such as Oreo)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and not cold to the touch (do not sub fat-free)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Have a 9 inch springform pan ready.
In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs and melted butter. Pat into the bottom and roughly 2 inches up the side of the pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, for 1 minute each.
Add the melted chocolate and vanilla then beat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Pour the batter into the crust then bake 35-40 minutes or until the center is almost set (it’ll move when the pan is shaken, but the top should be firm when you touch it). Remove from the oven and cool 1 hour in the pan.
Carefully run a knife along the edge to loosen the cheesecake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

For the ganache

Add the chopped chocolate to a heatproof bowl.
In a medium saucepan, heat the cream until hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and wait 1 minute. Stir together until completely smooth.
Remove the pan side from the cheesecake. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cheesecake and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until the chocolate hardens before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes

If you’re looking for a smaller cheesecake to serve, check out my 6 inch chocolate cheesecake recipe.

Did you make this recipe?

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Source: Adapted from Taste Of Home

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