Chocolate Fudge Truffle Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover. It’s rich, creamy, and completely decadent—layered with a velvety chocolate cheesecake filling over a fudgy crust and topped with a smooth ganache. Every bite tastes like a chocolate truffle in cheesecake form, and I love making it when I want a show-stopping dessert that feels luxurious and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines everything I crave in a dessert—deep chocolate flavor, smooth texture, and a touch of elegance. The cheesecake layer is rich and silky, and the ganache topping gives it that extra dose of indulgence. Whether I’m serving it for a holiday, birthday, or just because, this cheesecake always gets rave reviews. It’s a little more effort, but every step is worth it once I take that first bite.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
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Chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos)
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Melted butter
For the cheesecake filling:
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Cream cheese, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Sour cream
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Heavy cream
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Semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted
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Vanilla extract
For the ganache topping:
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Heavy cream
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Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
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Butter (optional, for shine)
directions
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I preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a springform pan.
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For the crust, I mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter and press it firmly into the bottom of the pan. I bake it for 8–10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.
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For the filling, I beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
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I add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, melted chocolate, and vanilla until fully combined and creamy.
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I pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
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I bake the cheesecake in a water bath for about 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
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I turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it cool for 1 hour before removing it.
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Once cooled to room temperature, I chill the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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For the ganache, I heat the cream until just simmering, pour it over the chocolate, and stir until smooth. I add a bit of butter for extra shine, then spread it over the chilled cheesecake.
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I chill the cake again until the ganache is set before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 slices. It takes around 30 minutes to prep, 1 hour to bake, and several hours to cool and chill—so I plan for about 6–8 hours total, including chilling.
Variations
Sometimes I add a touch of espresso powder to the cheesecake filling to deepen the chocolate flavor. I’ve also swirled in raspberry puree for a fruity twist or used white chocolate ganache on top for contrast. When I want texture, I sprinkle chopped toasted nuts or mini chocolate chips over the ganache before it sets.
storage/reheating
I store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. I thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. This cheesecake is best served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, but I prefer semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Milk chocolate makes it sweeter and less intense.
Do I have to bake it in a water bath?
A water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking, so I highly recommend it. If I skip it, I watch the oven closely and cool the cake slowly.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set and the center should still jiggle slightly. It’ll firm up more as it cools.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I usually make it a day in advance. It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have set.
What’s the best way to slice this cheesecake?
I use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices for neat, clean cuts.
Conclusion
Chocolate Fudge Truffle Cheesecake is one of those desserts that feels like a celebration all on its own. It’s rich, smooth, and full of deep chocolate flavor in every bite. Whether I serve it for a special occasion or just want to indulge, this cheesecake always delivers elegance and indulgence wrapped into one decadent slice.
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Chocolate Fudge Truffle Cheesecake
Chocolate Fudge Truffle Cheesecake is a rich and decadent dessert with a fudgy chocolate crust, creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, and a silky ganache topping—perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a show-stopping treat.
- Total Time: 6–8 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 slices
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreos)
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi‑sweet or dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the ganache topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz semi‑sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for shine)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9″ springform pan.
- Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into pan bottom and bake 8–10 minutes. Cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream, heavy cream, melted chocolate, and vanilla—mix until silky.
- Pour filling over crust. Place pan in a water bath (wrap bottom in foil, place in larger pan filled halfway with hot water).
- Bake 55–65 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off oven, crack door, and cool 1 hour. Remove pan and chill cheesecake at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To make ganache: heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth. Stir in butter if using.
- Spread ganache over chilled cheesecake. Chill until ganache is set before slicing.
Notes
- Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to filling to enhance chocolate depth.
- Swirl in raspberry puree before baking for a fruity twist.
- Use white chocolate ganache for a visual contrast.
- Sprinkle toasted nuts or mini chips on ganache before it sets for texture.
- Make ahead: cheesecake can be assembled a day ahead and chilled.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 160mg