Why You’ll Love Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
- Loaded with three layers of chocolate flavor from cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate, and milk chocolate.
- Features a rich and creamy cheesecake texture with a smooth, velvety finish.
- The Oreo crust adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
- The chocolate ganache creates a luxurious bakery-style topping.
- Great make-ahead dessert since it needs chilling time before serving.
- Perfect for special occasions, celebrations, and chocolate enthusiasts.
- Uses a water bath method for an evenly baked cheesecake with minimal cracking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Oreo Crust
- 35 whole Oreos
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
- 32 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 5 ounces heavy cream
For the Whipped Cream Topping
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 cups cold heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and ensure the bottom is securely attached.
- Pulse the Oreos in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and slightly up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.
- Keep the oven at 350°F. Fill a large pot with water and prepare a roasting pan for the water bath.
- Melt the semi-sweet and milk chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Gradually mix this into the cream cheese until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Avoid overmixing.
- Add the melted chocolate, sour cream, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until just combined and smooth.
- Prepare the water bath using your preferred method to prevent leaks. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the baked crust.
- Bake for 80–88 minutes, or until the center has only a slight wobble. The internal temperature should reach approximately 155–160°F.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake and place it on a wire rack. Cool to room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- To make the ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream until simmering and pour it over the chocolate. Let stand for 4 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly. Refrigerate briefly to set.
- For the whipped cream topping, combine the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and cold heavy cream in a bowl.
- Beat until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread the whipped cream over the cheesecake as desired.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Bake Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Initial Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Chilling Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 7 hours 45 minutes
Variations
- Use all semi-sweet chocolate for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Substitute dark chocolate for a more intense and less sweet cheesecake.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
- Top with chocolate curls, shaved chocolate, or mini chocolate chips for a decorative finish.
- Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Swap the Oreo crust for a chocolate graham cracker crust.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cheesecake for a sweet contrast.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
- Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
- For best texture, store the whipped cream-topped cheesecake chilled at all times.
Freezing
- Freeze the cheesecake without the whipped cream topping for up to 2 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
- Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating.
- If frozen, simply thaw in the refrigerator until fully softened.
FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, making it a day ahead improves the texture and flavor after chilling overnight.
Why do the ingredients need to be at room temperature?
Room-temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and help create a creamy, lump-free filling.
What does the water bath do?
A water bath provides gentle, even heat that helps prevent cracks and promotes a creamy texture.
Can I skip the water bath?
You can, but the cheesecake may be more likely to crack or bake unevenly.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The center should have a slight wobble, and the internal temperature should be around 155–160°F.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is strongly recommended for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
Can I use only one type of chocolate?
Yes. You can use all semi-sweet, all milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate depending on your preference.
How long should I chill the cheesecake?
At least 6 hours, though overnight chilling provides the best results.
Can I freeze individual slices?
Yes. Wrap slices individually and freeze them for convenient single-serving portions.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cracks can occur from overmixing, overbaking, rapid temperature changes, or skipping the water bath.
Conclusion
This Triple Chocolate Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, indulgent chocolate treats. With its Oreo cookie crust, creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, glossy ganache topping, and chocolate whipped cream finish, every layer delivers incredible flavor and texture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this show-stopping cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake
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A rich triple chocolate cheesecake featuring an Oreo crust, decadent chocolate cheesecake filling, silky ganache topping, and homemade whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions and chocolate lovers.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 35 whole Oreos
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted (56 grams)
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (113 grams)
- 4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped (113 grams)
- 32 ounces full fat cream cheese, at room temperature (904 grams)
- 1 cup cocoa powder (100 grams)
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar (308 grams)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup full fat sour cream, at room temperature (180 grams)
- 1 and 1/2 tsp corn starch
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (141 grams)
- 5 ounces heavy cream (150 grams)
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (29 grams)
- 1 and 1/4 cups cold heavy cream (300 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Pulse Oreos into fine crumbs, mix with melted butter, and press into the pan and slightly up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside.
- Melt the semi-sweet and milk chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese until creamy. Whisk together sugar and cocoa powder, then mix into the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition.
- Add melted chocolate, sour cream, corn starch, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare a water bath using a roasting pan.
- Pour batter into the prepared crust. Place in the oven with the water bath and bake for 80 to 88 minutes, until the center has a slight wobble.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven, cool to room temperature for about 1 hour, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- For the ganache, place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat 5 ounces heavy cream until simmering, pour over the chocolate, let sit 4 minutes, then stir until smooth. Spread over the chilled cheesecake.
- For the whipped cream, beat cold heavy cream, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Top cheesecake with whipped cream, slice, and serve. Store leftovers refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.
Notes
- Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before making the filling.
- A water bath helps prevent cracking and promotes even baking.
- Do not overmix after adding the eggs to avoid excess air in the batter.
- Chill the cheesecake overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 980 kcal
- Sugar: 58 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 74 g
- Saturated Fat: 43 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 255 mg