Introduction & Inspiration
This recipe, Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes, is a direct response to my profound and unwavering love for all things chocolate. I’m a self-proclaimed chocoholic, and I believe that if something is good, more chocolate makes it better. I love a rich dessert.
The idea of “Death By Chocolate” has always intrigued me. It’s a promise of intense, decadent, and utterly satisfying chocolate overload. And that’s exactly what I wanted to capture in these mini cheesecakes. I love intensity.
I envisioned a multi-layered chocolate experience: a crunchy Oreo crust, a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, a rich chocolate ganache, and a fluffy chocolate whipped cream. It’s chocolate upon chocolate upon chocolate.
This recipe is the culmination of numerous experiments and a relentless pursuit of chocolate perfection. It’s a recipe for true chocolate lovers, and I’m excited to share it.
Nostalgic Appeal
Chocolate, in its many forms, holds a special place in our collective memory. It’s often associated with celebrations, holidays, and moments of comfort and indulgence. I love comfort food.
Oreos, too, are a nostalgic treat for many. Their distinctive flavor and texture evoke memories of childhood and simple pleasures. Oreos are my favorite.
Cheesecake, with its creamy, rich texture and endless flavor possibilities, is a classic dessert that’s always welcome. A great dessert.
By combining these elements, we’re creating a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting, comforting and decadent. These Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes are a celebration of all things chocolate.
Homemade Focus
While this recipe uses a few convenience items like Oreos and chocolate syrup, the emphasis is firmly on homemade goodness. The cheesecake filling, the ganache, and the whipped cream are all made from scratch, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. All from scratch.
The process of making each component is relatively simple, but the combination of these homemade elements creates a truly exceptional dessert. It’s all about the details.
Even the simple act of crushing the Oreos and pressing them into the liners adds a personal touch. It’s a hands-on experience that connects you to the food you’re creating.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that homemade desserts are always worth the effort. The flavor and texture are simply unmatched.
Flavor Goal
The primary objective of this recipe is, unsurprisingly, to deliver an intense and multifaceted chocolate experience. It’s all about the chocolate!
The Oreo crust provides a crunchy, slightly salty base that complements the creamy filling. It’s the perfect foundation.
The chocolate cheesecake filling is rich, smooth, and intensely chocolatey, thanks to both cocoa powder and melted bittersweet chocolate. A double dose of chocolate.
The chocolate ganache adds another layer of richness and a beautiful glossy finish. It’s pure decadence.
The chocolate whipped cream provides a light and airy counterpoint to the richness of the cheesecake and ganache. It’s the perfect finishing touch. A must.
Ultimately, I wanted a dessert that was unapologetically chocolatey, a treat that would satisfy even the most intense chocolate craving. A true “Death By Chocolate” experience.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s examine the ingredients that contribute to this chocolate extravaganza:
Oreos: These form the base of the crust, providing a crunchy texture and that classic Oreo flavor. Use regular Oreos, not Double Stuf.
Melted Butter: This binds the Oreo crumbs together and adds richness to the crust. Use unsalted butter.
Cream Cheese (Softened): This is the heart of the cheesecake filling, providing that signature creamy, tangy flavor. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best results. Soft is important.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the richness of the chocolate.
All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour helps to stabilize the cheesecake filling and prevent it from cracking.
Cocoa Powder: This adds an intense chocolate flavor and a deep, dark color to the cheesecake filling. Use unsweetened cocoa powder.
Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness. Always add salt.
Large Eggs: These bind the cheesecake filling together and contribute to its creamy texture.
Bittersweet Chocolate Chips (Melted): This adds another layer of rich chocolate flavor to the cheesecake filling. Use good-quality chocolate.
Heavy Cream: This is used in both the ganache and the whipped cream, providing richness and a smooth, creamy texture.
Chocolate Chips (for Ganache): These are melted with heavy cream to create a luscious chocolate ganache.
Chocolate Syrup: This is used to flavor the whipped cream, adding another layer of chocolate goodness.
Hershey’s Bar (Broken into Pieces): This is used as a garnish, adding a final touch of chocolate and visual appeal.
Essential Equipment
You’ll need a few essential tools for this recipe:
12-Cup Muffin Tin: This is for baking the mini cheesecakes. Standard size.
Paper Liners: These prevent the cheesecakes from sticking to the tin and make cleanup easier.
Large Resealable Plastic Bag or Food Processor: This is for crushing the Oreos into fine crumbs.
Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium): You’ll need bowls for the crust, filling, ganache, and whipped cream.
Hand Mixer (or Stand Mixer): This is essential for beating the cream cheese and other filling ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
Microwave-Safe Dish: This is for melting the chocolate for the ganache.
Piping Bag with a Star Tip (Optional): This is for piping the chocolate whipped cream onto the cheesecakes.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
Here’s a precise list of the ingredients, along with their exact measurements:
For the Cheesecakes:
- 12 Oreos
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips, melted
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Chocolate Whipped Cream:
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 (1.55-ounce) Hershey’s bar, broken into small pieces, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s create these decadent Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. First step.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large resealable plastic bag or a food processor fitted with a metal blade, crush or blend the Oreos until fine crumbs form. You want them very fine.
Transfer the Oreo crumbs to a bowl and pour in the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are completely coated and moistened. They should clump.
Press about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each liner, forming a compact crust. Set the muffin tin aside. Press them well.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment), beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and salt until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated.
Fold in the melted bittersweet chocolate until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecakes
Pour the cheesecake filling over the Oreo crusts in the prepared liners, filling each one almost to the top. Fill them evenly.
Bake the cheesecakes for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they’re only slightly jiggly in the center. Don’t overbake.
Step 5: Cool and Refrigerate
Let the cheesecakes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will set.
Once they’re completely cool, refrigerate them until they’re cold, at least 1 hour. This will make them easier to top with ganache and whipped cream.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Once the cheesecakes are cold, make the chocolate ganache. Add the chocolate chips and heavy cream to a microwave-safe dish.
Microwave the mixture in 10-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be careful.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the chocolate ganache over the top of each chilled cheesecake. Use it all.
Return the cheesecakes to the refrigerator to allow the ganache to set, about 10 more minutes.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Whipped Cream
While the ganache is setting, make the chocolate whipped cream. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with the chocolate syrup using an electric mixer on high speed.
Beat just until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat, or the cream will become grainy.
Transfer the chocolate whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or you can simply spoon it onto the cheesecakes).
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top each cheesecake with a generous swirl of chocolate whipped cream.
Garnish each cheesecake with a piece of the Hershey’s bar. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Troubleshooting
Here are some potential problems and their solutions:
Problem: Cheesecakes are cracked.
Solution: You may have overbaked the cheesecakes, or the oven temperature may have been too high. Make sure to bake them only until they’re slightly jiggly in the center, and check the oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
Problem: Cheesecake filling is lumpy.
Solution: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before beating it. You can also try warming the cream cheese slightly in the microwave (in short bursts) to help it soften.
Problem: Ganache is too thick.
Solution: Add a bit more heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until the ganache reaches your desired consistency.
Problem: Whipped cream is grainy.
Solution: You may have overbeaten the whipped cream. Beat it just until stiff peaks form, and stop as soon as you reach that point.
Tips and Variations
Here are some extra tips and variations to customize your Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes:
Tip: For an even more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips in the cheesecake filling and ganache.
Variation: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or fudge sauce to the bottom of the crust before adding the cheesecake filling.
Variation: Instead of Oreos, use chocolate graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies for the crust.
Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can simply spoon the whipped cream onto the cheesecakes.
Variation: Garnish the cheesecakes with chocolate shavings, chocolate sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips instead of Hershey’s bar pieces.
Variation: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the cheesecake filling for a mocha flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes are a decadent treat, perfect for any special occasion. Here are some serving ideas:
Serve them chilled, straight from the refrigerator. The cold temperature enhances their creamy texture and rich flavor.
Pair them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of strong coffee, or a glass of dessert wine.
Serve them as a dessert at a party, holiday gathering, or any special celebration.
Offer them as an after-dinner treat or a decadent snack.
Package them in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional estimate per mini cheesecake (assuming the recipe yields 12 servings):
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 25-30g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-6g These are just estimates.
Enjoy these cheesecakes in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Print
Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes
Description
This recipe, Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes, is a direct response to my profound and unwavering love for all things chocolate. I’m a self-proclaimed chocoholic, and I believe that if something is good, more chocolate makes it better. I love a rich dessert
Ingredients
For the Cheesecakes:
- 12 Oreos
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips, melted
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Chocolate Whipped Cream:
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 (1.55-ounce) Hershey’s bar, broken into small pieces, for garnish
Instructions
Let’s create these decadent Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. First step.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large resealable plastic bag or a food processor fitted with a metal blade, crush or blend the Oreos until fine crumbs form. You want them very fine.
Transfer the Oreo crumbs to a bowl and pour in the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are completely coated and moistened. They should clump.
Press about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each liner, forming a compact crust. Set the muffin tin aside. Press them well.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment), beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and salt until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated.
Fold in the melted bittersweet chocolate until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecakes
Pour the cheesecake filling over the Oreo crusts in the prepared liners, filling each one almost to the top. Fill them evenly.
Bake the cheesecakes for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they’re only slightly jiggly in the center. Don’t overbake.
Step 5: Cool and Refrigerate
Let the cheesecakes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will set.
Once they’re completely cool, refrigerate them until they’re cold, at least 1 hour. This will make them easier to top with ganache and whipped cream.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Once the cheesecakes are cold, make the chocolate ganache. Add the chocolate chips and heavy cream to a microwave-safe dish.
Microwave the mixture in 10-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be careful.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the chocolate ganache over the top of each chilled cheesecake. Use it all.
Return the cheesecakes to the refrigerator to allow the ganache to set, about 10 more minutes.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Whipped Cream
While the ganache is setting, make the chocolate whipped cream. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with the chocolate syrup using an electric mixer on high speed.
Beat just until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat, or the cream will become grainy.
Transfer the chocolate whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or you can simply spoon it onto the cheesecakes).
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top each cheesecake with a generous swirl of chocolate whipped cream.
Garnish each cheesecake with a piece of the Hershey’s bar. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Let’s recap the recipe and answer some frequently asked questions:
Recipe Summary:
We made delicious Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes by creating an Oreo crust, filling it with a creamy chocolate cheesecake mixture, baking them, topping them with chocolate ganache and chocolate whipped cream, and garnishing with chocolate pieces.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the cheesecakes (up to the ganache step) a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Add the ganache and whipped cream just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these cheesecakes?
A: You can freeze the cheesecakes (without the whipped cream) for up to a month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before adding the whipped cream and serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
A: Absolutely! You could use chocolate graham crackers, chocolate wafer cookies, or even gingersnaps.
Q: I don’t have a hand mixer. Can I make the filling by hand?
A: It will be much more difficult and time-consuming, but you can try. Make sure the cream cheese is very soft, and use a whisk and a lot of elbow grease.
Q: Can I make these cheesecakes without the ganache or whipped cream?
A: Yes, you can, but they won’t be quite as “Death By Chocolate” without those extra layers of chocolate goodness!