Chocolate Chip Cheesecake combines the creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion. Here’s a recipe to make a smooth and delicious Chocolate Chip Cheesecake from scratch:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to toss with chocolate chips)
For the Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional mini chocolate chips for sprinkling
Instructions:
Preparing the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Press Into Pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, forming a compact, even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
Making the Filling:
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Chocolate Chips with Flour: In a small bowl, toss the mini chocolate chips with flour to coat. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the flour-coated chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter.
- Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
Baking:
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn Off Oven: Turn off the oven, open the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill: After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until thoroughly chilled and set.
Preparing the Topping (optional):
- Mix Topping Ingredients: Whisk together sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread on Cheesecake: Spread this mixture over the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish: Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips over the top as garnish.
Serving:
- Release: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the cheesecake with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between slices to ensure clean cuts. Serve chilled.
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, a creamy and indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress any chocolate lover.