Dark Chocolate Cheesecake with Nutella Ganache

That sounds absolutely delicious! Here’s a brief overview of a recipe for Dark Chocolate Cheesecake with Nutella Ganache:

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Cheesecake:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 large eggs
• 8 oz dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Nutella Ganache:

• 1 cup Nutella
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust: Mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Let it cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the sour cream, then the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
3. Bake: Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water (water bath). Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is set. Let it cool in the oven with the door slightly open, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Prepare the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until just boiling, then pour over the Nutella. Stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.
5. Serve: Let the ganache set before slicing and serving.

Here’s a rough breakdown of the time required to prepare the Dark Chocolate Cheesecake with Nutella Ganache:

1. Crust Preparation: About 15 minutes (including baking and cooling).
2. Cheesecake Filling: Around 20-30 minutes to mix and prepare.
3. Baking: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Cooling and Chilling: At least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
5. Ganache Preparation: About 10 minutes.
6. Setting the Ganache: Around 30 minutes.

In total, active preparation time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but including baking, cooling, and chilling, it will take around 6-8 hours. Most of this time is passive, so you can do other things while the cheesecake is setting.

To store leftover Dark Chocolate Cheesecake with Nutella Ganache, follow these steps:

1. Refrigerate: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
2. Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake. Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
3. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cheesecake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain its texture and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious leftovers! If you have any other questions or need more tips, feel free to ask.