When it comes to indulgent desserts, nothing compares to a Vanilla Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust. This show-stopping dessert features a buttery, rich chocolate cookie crust, a velvety smooth vanilla cream cheese filling, and a decadent topping of freshly whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and juicy strawberries. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this cheesecake will surely impress anyone who takes a bite.
With its perfect balance of textures and flavors—rich and creamy with a hint of tang from the sour cream, combined with the deep chocolatey crunch of the crust—this cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for any sweet tooth. It’s a timeless classic with a modern twist that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate cookies : Use your favorite chocolate cookie variety, such as Oreos, for that perfect chocolate base. The crushed cookies create a rich, slightly sweet crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- 1/4 cup melted butter : Butter helps bind the crushed cookies together while adding richness and flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar : The sugar adds sweetness and helps to hold the crust together, ensuring a crisp, flavorful base.
For the Filling
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened : The cream cheese provides that smooth, creamy texture that is the hallmark of any good cheesecake. Make sure it’s softened so that it mixes easily and smoothly with the other ingredients.
- 1 cup granulated sugar : A generous amount of sugar makes the filling sweet but not overpowering, balancing out the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- 3 large eggs : Eggs are essential to provide structure and firmness to the filling, helping it set perfectly while still maintaining a creamy texture.
- 1 cup sour cream : Sour cream adds richness and a slight tang to the cheesecake filling, helping balance the sweetness and giving the cheesecake a more sophisticated flavor.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract : Vanilla is a key flavor in this cheesecake, enhancing the overall richness of the dessert and giving it that aromatic, comforting sweetness.
- 1/4 cup milk : Milk ensures that the cheesecake filling is smooth and easy to pour into the crust, helping it come together perfectly without being too thick.
For the Topping
- 1 cup whipped cream : Freshly whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture on top of the rich cheesecake. Its cool, soft nature contrasts beautifully with the dense filling.
- Chocolate shavings : Shaved chocolate adds a touch of elegance and extra depth of chocolate flavor. It’s also a beautiful decoration that elevates the presentation of the cheesecake.
- Fresh strawberries : Sweet, juicy strawberries add freshness, a pop of color, and a tangy contrast to the rich, creamy cheesecake. They also provide a delightful burst of flavor in each bite.
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Make the crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine crushed chocolate cookies, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is well-combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and sugar.
- Press the crust into the pan: Grease a 9-inch springform pan lightly and then pour the cookie mixture into the pan. Press the crumbs firmly into the base using the back of a spoon or the flat side of a glass to ensure that the crust is compact and even.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. This allows the crust to set and develop a nice, crisp texture. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This cooling step is important to prevent the crust from becoming too soggy when the cheesecake filling is added.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
- Prepare the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that the filling is smooth and incorporated evenly.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and milk until everything is fully blended and the filling is smooth. Make sure the mixture is creamy without any lumps.
- Pour the filling over the crust: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The filling should be level and smooth.
3️⃣ Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake at a lower temperature: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when you tap the pan. The center should not be completely firm—this slight jiggle ensures that the cheesecake will set perfectly once it cools.
- Cool the cheesecake: After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature. This will help avoid cracks forming on the surface of the cheesecake as it cools too quickly. Once it reaches room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the cheesecake to fully set and develop its rich flavors.
4️⃣ Decorate the Cheesecake
- Whip the cream: Once the cheesecake has chilled, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the whipped cream until stiff peaks form. This means that the cream will hold its shape when you lift the beaters out of the bowl.
- Decorate the top: Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake, smoothing it out to cover the entire surface.
- Add chocolate shavings: Using a vegetable peeler or a grater, shave the chocolate into fine curls and sprinkle them over the whipped cream for a decorative touch and extra flavor.
- Finish with strawberries: Arrange fresh strawberries on top of the cheesecake for a burst of color, flavor, and freshness. You can slice the strawberries or leave them whole depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This Vanilla Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust can be enjoyed on its own or served with some added flair. Consider the following suggestions to make it even more special:
- Pair with a warm beverage: A cup of rich, dark coffee or a comforting cappuccino makes an excellent pairing with the creamy, sweet cheesecake. For a lighter option, try a cup of green tea.
- Top with fresh fruit: In addition to the strawberries, you can serve this cheesecake with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even a tropical fruit topping.
- Add a fruit compote or sauce: A drizzle of raspberry sauce or cherry compote on top of the cheesecake can enhance the dessert with a tangy contrast.
- Serve with chocolate syrup: For extra indulgence, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the cheesecake before serving for an even more decadent treat.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure the cheesecake is well-covered to prevent it from drying out.
- Freeze for later: This cheesecake freezes wonderfully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust is truly the perfect dessert to enjoy on any occasion. With its creamy filling, rich chocolate crust, and sweet toppings, it’s an indulgent treat that will never fail to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation. Enjoy every creamy, chocolaty bite—it’s pure bliss on a plate!