Heart's Desire Beading Company

From My Kitchen to Yours....
A Family Favorite, Death by Chocolate Cheesecake

For as long as I can remember, my mom has made a delicious pumpkin pie with a cheesecake layer at the bottom. It is her signature dessert for the holidays, and it is wonderful! Well I, being a true chocoholic, like to throw a little chocolate into the mix of desserts, and you might say this is my signature dessert for all special occasions! This cheesecake has gone to more parties, family gathering and bake sales then there is time to mention and I am happy to share this decadent Death by Chocolate Cheesecake recipe with you for the upcoming holidays!

Death by Chocolate Cheesecake

Crust

1-1/2 c. chocolate graham crackers crushed into crumbs (one stack should do)
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. butter melted

Put graham crackers into a 1 gallon Ziplock freezer bag and crush into fine crumbs with a rolling pin. Place crumbs into a mixing bowl and add sugar and melted butter and mix together. Press mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 10 inch springform pan.

Cheesecake Filling

2-8oz. packages of cream cheese softened
3/4 c. plus 2 Tbls. sugar, divided
1/2 c. cocoa powder
2 t. vanilla extract, divided
2 eggs
1 c. semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
1 8 oz. container of dairy sour cream

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
Beat softened cream cheese, 3/4 c. sugar, cocoa and 1 t. vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl on medium speed. Add eggs one at a time and beat until blended. Stir in by hand chocolate chips. Pour into prepared crust. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven to wire rack; cool 15 minutes.

Now, increase oven temperature to 425 degrees F.

In a small bowl mix together sour cream, remaining 2 Tbls. of sugar, and 1 t. vanilla, stirring until smooth. Pour over baked cheesecake filling and spread smooth. Bake 10 minutes in a 425 degree F oven. Remove from oven to wire rack, and run a knife gently around the edge to loosen cake from the sides of the pan. Cool completely; remove springform side of the pan. Chill in refrigerator for several hours before serving. In the rare event that you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Blessings,