Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for ganache)
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, mixing until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create a sturdy crust. Now, moving to the cheesecake filling, in a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, adding in the granulated sugar until creamy. Once combined, mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This batter should be thick and luscious, inviting you to taste it (just one small spoonful, I promise!). (See the next page below to continue steps…)