No-Bake Creamy Chocolate Cheesecake

No-Bake Creamy Chocolate Cheesecake

Yield: Makes a 9-inch cheesecake

I use bittersweet chocolate in this recipe but semisweet could be used also. You might consider knocking the powdered sugar down just a notch if you do since semisweet chocolate is sweeter than bittersweet.

I think there's a bit too much crust/filling for a regular 9-inch pie plate unless you reserve some of each and make a couple small, individual sized cheesecakes in little bowls or ramekins. But again, I haven't tried it that way so feel free to experiment.

Ingredients

Crust:

7 ounces (about 2 cups) chocolate graham cracker crumbs

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

7 tablespoons butter, melted

Cheesecake:

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) powdered sugar

1/4 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled to room temperature (see note above)

Directions

1. For the crust, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter together in a small bowl until the mixture looks sandy and wet. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides, about an inch, of a 9-inch springform pan or into a 9.5-inch pie plate. Refrigerate while making the filling.
2. For the filling, in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer (or in an electric stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), mix the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, 1-2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat again for a minute or so until combined. Add the sour cream and vanilla and mix.
3. Add the melted chocolate (make sure it is cool to room temperature!) and whip for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is extremely light and fluffy (this step is key to a creamy, light cheesecake filling).
4. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours (or up to 12 hours) until chilled and set.
5. For clean slices, run a long thin knife under really hot water and wipe dry with a towel before slicing (repeat the hot water trick between each slice).