Prepare to have your taste buds sent on an absolute thrill ride with this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake! This epic dessert is an explosion of rich, creamy flavors that will have you craving more after just one bite. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, y’all!
Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
This cheesecake is an absolute game-changer, folks! With its luxurious chocolate ganache topping, silky smooth hazelnut-infused filling, and a crunchy, buttery crust, every single element of this dessert is downright INSANE. It’s the perfect blend of indulgent flavors that will leave you absolutely floored. This cheesecake is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also visually stunning, making it the ultimate show-stopping dessert to impress your friends and family. Trust me, one bite of this legendary creation, and you’ll be hooked for life!
Ingredients
Get ready to round up some of the most incredible ingredients to create this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake masterpiece! You’ll need cream cheese, sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and of course, chocolate and hazelnuts. The crust is made with crushed graham crackers, butter, and a touch of sugar. And the show-stopping ganache topping is a simple combination of heavy cream and more chocolate. Prepare to have your taste buds absolutely explode!
- 24 ounces (3 packages) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Granulated sugar
- 4 – Large eggs
- 1 cup – Sour cream
- 2 teaspoons – Vanilla extract
- 1 cup – Toasted, chopped hazelnuts
- 1 1/2 cups – Graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons – Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons – Granulated sugar
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 12 ounces – Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
- Hazelnuts: Toasted almonds or pecans (for a nutty flavor)
- Graham cracker crust: Oreo crumbs or buttery shortbread crust (for a different texture)
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
Let’s dive into the steps to create this legendary dessert, y’all! We’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, so get ready.
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by preheating your oven to 325°F and preparing your springform pan. Grease the sides and bottom of the pan, then wrap the outside with foil to prevent any leaks during baking. Now, let’s get to work on that incredible crust! In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they’re finely crushed, then mix in the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your prepared pan.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Time to tackle that luscious cheesecake filling! In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add in the sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then, one at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Fold in the sour cream and vanilla extract until everything is perfectly smooth and creamy. Finally, stir in the chopped hazelnuts, and your filling is ready to go!
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Carefully pour the hazelnut cheesecake filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cheesecake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is almost set. Once it’s done, turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for an hour. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracking.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Now, let’s make that epic chocolate ganache topping! In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream just until it begins to simmer. Remove it from the heat, then add the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute or two to melt. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and glossy. Pour the warm ganache over the top of the cooled cheesecake, using a spatula to evenly distribute it. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until it’s completely set.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Nutella Swirl: Swirl in some melted Nutella or hazelnut spread into the cheesecake filling for an even more intense hazelnut flavor.
- Toasted Hazelnuts: Top the cheesecake with toasted, chopped hazelnuts for a lovely crunch.
- Cocoa Powder Dusting: Dust the top of the cheesecake with a light coating of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate for a touch of elegance.
- Flavor Variations: Try swapping out the hazelnuts for toasted almonds or pecans to create a different flavor profile.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the rich flavors.
Storage: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This cheesecake is even better when made a day or two in advance!
Reheat: Enjoy this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake chilled or at room temperature. No reheating required!
Make-Ahead: Prepare the cheesecake up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors will have time to meld together, creating an even more incredible dessert.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake without a single ounce of guilt, my friends! Each slice is packed with a massive 420 calories, 31g of fat, and 32g of carbs. But hey, when you’re creating a revolutionary dessert this EPIC, a few extra calories are more than worth it. Just make sure to savor every bite – this cheesecake is an absolute explosion of flavor in your mouth!
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cheesecake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 32 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
The key to a perfectly smooth, crack-free cheesecake is in the cooling process. After baking, turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for about an hour. This slow cooling helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can lead to unsightly cracks.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake is even better when made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or up to 5 days, before serving. The flavors will have time to meld together, creating an even more incredible dessert.
How do I get a perfect ganache topping?
The secret to a silky-smooth ganache is all in the technique. Heat the cream just until it begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two, then whisk it until it’s glossy and irresistible. Pour the warm ganache over the chilled cheesecake, and voila – you’ve got an absolute SHOWSTOPPER on your hands!
Can I use a different type of nut in the filling?
Absolutely! While hazelnuts are the star of the show in this recipe, you can easily swap them out for toasted almonds, pecans, or even walnuts. Each nut will add its own unique flavor and texture to the cheesecake, so feel free to experiment and find your personal favorite.
How do I know when the cheesecake is fully baked?
The key is to look for the center of the cheesecake to be almost set. It should still have a slight jiggle in the middle when you gently shake the pan. Once it reaches this stage, turn off the oven, prop the door open, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for an hour. This slow cooling process is crucial for preventing cracks on the surface.
Try These Next
- Decadent Chocolate Bacon Cheesecake
- Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars With Nutty Crust
- Spicy Hot Honey Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites For Fall Parties
Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and hazelnuts, perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate graham crackers
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 cup melted dark chocolate
1/2 cup hazelnut spread
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Chopped hazelnuts for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers and melted butter until combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
5. Add the sour cream, melted chocolate, hazelnut spread, eggs, vanilla, and salt; mix until well combined.
6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
8. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
10. Garnish with chopped hazelnuts before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate.
Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for the best texture.
Serve with whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheesecake, chocolate, dessert, hazelnut