Craving a decadent dessert but short on time? This easy no-bake chocolate cheesecake recipe is your answer! Rich, creamy, and intensely chocolatey, this dessert requires no oven and minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unbelievably delicious and simple homemade creation. It's one of those best recipes that's surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and cocoa powder.
- Add melted butter: Pour in the melted butter and mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press into pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even layer. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Making the Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer makes this step much easier.
- Add cocoa and vanilla: Gradually add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Pour over crust: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set completely.
Serving & Storage:
Once chilled, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice and serve this delicious no-bake chocolate cheesecake. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor: Use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or crushed Oreos on top before chilling.
- Make it boozy: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite liqueur, like Kahlua or Baileys Irish Cream, to the filling for an adult twist.
- Use different crust: Experiment with digestive biscuits or even a cookie crumb crust for a unique flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Sugar: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
This easy chocolate cheesecake recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this quick dinner dessert! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. This is one of the best recipes for those busy weeknights and offers a healthy balance of deliciousness and simplicity. It’s a recipe you'll want to keep coming back to.