Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I opened the pantry, the cozy scent of chocolate curled through the air, transporting me straight to winter wonderlands of my childhood. The season calls for warm indulgences, and there’s nothing quite like a slice of Hot Chocolate Cheesecake to wrap you in its comforting embrace. This recipe masterfully blends the creamy texture of cheesecake with the rich flavors reminiscent of your favorite cocoa, all rooted in a delightful Oreo crust. Not only is this a showstopper for your holiday gatherings, but it’s also versatile enough to be transformed into mini cheesecakes or bars for those who love bite-sized treats. Get ready to create heartwarming memories and smiles all around with each decadent slice! Are you ready to bring a touch of magic to your dessert table? Why Is This Cheesecake a Must-Try? Indulgent Creaminess: The Hot Chocolate Cheesecake boasts a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, delivering an unforgettable dessert experience. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, its festive flavors evoke warmth and cheer, making it a standout choice during the holiday season. Endless Versatility: Transform this recipe into mini cheesecakes or decadent cheesecake bars for easy serving and delightful variety. Quick and Simple: With straightforward instructions, you’ll find whipping up this showstopper a joyful experience, freeing you from fast food boredom. Decadent Flavor Fusion: Infused with rich hot cocoa and a crunchy Oreo crust, each bite creates a symphony of flavors that chocolate lovers will adore. Don’t forget to check out my Berry Peach Cheesecake for another delicious treat! Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Ingredients For the Oreo Crust • Oreo Cookies – A crunchy base that adds delicious chocolate flavor. • Unsalted Butter – Binds the Oreo crumbs together; unsalted is preferred for balanced flavor. For the Cheesecake Filling • Cream Cheese – Provides the rich, creamy structure; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending. • Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; feel free to substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. • Hot Cocoa Mix – Infuses the cheesecake with that quintessential chocolate flavor; adjust sweetness based on your brand. • Cocoa Powder – Enhances chocolate intensity; always use unsweetened for best results. • Sour Cream – Adds a tangy creaminess; Greek yogurt can be a great substitute if needed. • Heavy Cream – Gives richness and a light texture; coconut cream works for a dairy-free version. • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake; opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor. • Eggs – Provides structure; be sure they are at room temperature for proper emulsification. For the Whipped Topping • Heavy Cream – Adds a light, fluffy texture to the topping; chilled cream whips up best. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream; a sugar alternative can be used if desired. This Hot Chocolate Cheesecake is set to become a favorite, perfect for cozy winter gatherings and holiday celebrations! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While the oven warms up, get a 9-inch springform pan ready by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This will ensure that your hot chocolate cheesecake releases easily after baking, giving you a flawless presentation when it’s time to serve. Step 2: Make the Oreo Crust In a food processor, blend about 24 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs, then combine them with 5 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 11 minutes, until it is set but not overly browned, and then let cool slightly. Step 3: Beat the Cream Cheese In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 24 ounces of cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve that perfect creamy consistency. This is the base for your indulgent hot chocolate cheesecake! Step 4: Add the Chocolate Flavors Mix in 1 packet of hot cocoa mix, ¼ cup of cocoa powder, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat this combination until completely blended, smooth, and creamy. It’s okay if your mixture looks rich and luscious—this uniformity will contribute to the heavenly texture of your cheesecake. Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs With your mixer on low speed, add in 4 room temperature eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This gentle mixing is crucial to prevent overworking the batter, leading to a denser cheesecake. You want the filling to remain light and airy while combining flavors for that perfect hot chocolate cheesecake. Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Crust Carefully pour the cheesecake batter into the baked Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface. To prevent cracks during baking, prepare a water bath: wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger baking dish filled with hot water. This will create a steam bath, keeping the cheesecake moist. Step 7: Bake and Cool Place your hot chocolate cheesecake in the preheated oven. Bake for 75-85 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Once done, turn off your oven, crack the door, and let it cool inside for 30 minutes. This gradual cooling process will help avoid any sudden temperature changes that can lead to cracks. Step 8: Chill the Cheesecake After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once it’s at room temperature, refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a perfect texture, ready to be enjoyed as a slice of decadent hot chocolate cheesecake. Step 9: Whip the Cream Topping For the final touch, beat 1 cup of cold heavy cream with ¼ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until medium peaks form. This fluffy topping adds an airy contrast to the dense cheesecake. Once the cheesecake is chilled, spread the whipped cream generously on top and decorate with optional mini marshmallows or chocolate chips for extra flair. Step 10: Serve and Delight Slice your beautifully chilled hot chocolate cheesecake and serve it with your choice of warm beverages like hot chocolate or coffee. The combination of rich flavors and the cool, creamy topping will surely make each bite a moment of pure bliss. Enjoy this delightful dessert with family and friends for cozy gatherings or special occasions! Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists for your heavenly creation and tailor it to your taste! Mini Cheesecakes: Make individual servings in a muffin pan for a fun, bite-sized treat; simply bake for 18-20 minutes. Cheesecake Bars: Halve the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for easy-to-serve cheesecake bars that everyone will love. Flavored Cocoa Mix: Switch things up with flavored hot cocoa mixes like peppermint or caramel for a delicious twist on the classic. Textural Additions: Incorporate chocolate chips or crushed candy canes into the filling for a burst of flavor and extra crunch. Festive Toppings: Elevate your cheesecake with decorations like chocolate curls, drizzles of hot fudge, or seasonal sprinkles—perfect for holiday gatherings! Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version that everyone can enjoy. Rich Caramel Swirl: Fold in some caramel sauce to the batter before baking for a luscious, gooey surprise in every slice. If you love this indulgent recipe, check out my Churro Cheesecake Indulge and let your taste buds rejoice! Make Ahead Options These Hot Chocolate Cheesecake treats are ideal for busy cooks looking to save time during hectic holiday gatherings! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator after combining all the ingredients. The Oreo crust can also be made ahead and kept at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled filling into the crust and bake as instructed. Allow it to cool and chill for at least 6 hours (or overnight) to enhance the flavors. By prepping ahead, you’ll ensure that when it’s time to gather, your decadent dessert is just as delicious and stress-free! What to Serve with Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Indulging in a slice of rich and creamy cheesecake creates a delightful moment, and pairing it just right can elevate the experience to new heights. Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing contrast to the decadence, enhancing each bite with a pop of tartness. Rich Espresso: The bold flavor of a hot espresso slices through the sweetness, creating a perfect harmony of chocolate and coffee. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a cooling factor that complements the warmed flavors of the cheesecake beautifully. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints! Spiced Hot Cocoa: For a cozy touch, serve with a cup of spiced hot cocoa. This creates a comforting, winter-themed dessert experience. Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top for an extra touch of elegance and a burst of chocolate flavor. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds an airy contrast to the dense cheesecake, enhancing its luxurious texture. Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves as a garnish provide a visual pop while adding a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts through the richness. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice brings buttery sweetness that beautifully complements the chocolatey depths of the cheesecake. These delightful pairings will create cherished moments, ensuring your Hot Chocolate Cheesecake is the star of the show! Expert Tips for Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature for a smooth, creamy batter that mixes easily. Avoid Overmixing: When adding eggs, mix on low speed and just until combined to keep the cheesecake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Water Bath Essential: Always use a water bath during baking to maintain moisture and prevent cracks. This guarantees a perfectly textured hot chocolate cheesecake every time! Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate your cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight. Chilling enhances flavors and achieves that dreamy, rich texture you desire. Decorate Wisely: Get creative with toppings! Mini marshmallows or a sprinkle of cocoa powder can add festive flair, but keep it balanced to let the cheesecake shine. How to Store and Freeze Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Fridge: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its rich flavor and creamy texture while keeping it fresh. Freezer: If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 30 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thawing: To serve after freezing, move the cheesecake to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to allow it to thaw gently, ensuring it retains its delightful creaminess. Reheating: While this hot chocolate cheesecake is best served cold, if desired, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat! Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe FAQs What kind of Oreos should I use for the crust? Absolutely! Classic Oreo cookies are perfect for a chocolatey, crunchy crust. However, you can also explore variety by using other chocolate sandwich cookies if you’re looking for a unique flavor twist. How should I store leftover hot chocolate cheesecake? For sure! Store your cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and ensures you can savor each delightful slice longer. Can I freeze hot chocolate cheesecake? Yes, indeed! You can freeze it for up to 30 days. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. What can I do if my cheesecake cracks while baking? Very! To prevent cracks, always use a water bath during baking. If a crack does occur, don’t fret! After cooling, you can cover it up with whipped cream or toppings. Just remember to cool completely before removing it from the pan. Is this cheesecake safe for those with dietary restrictions? Absolutely! For a dairy-free alternative, swap the heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese. Make sure to check the hot cocoa mix for any allergens, especially if making it for guests. What if I want to make mini cheesecakes instead of one large one? Great idea! Simply pour the cheesecake batter into greased muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes. When they are set, cool and refrigerate as you would the larger cheesecake. Enjoy these bite-sized treats! Heavenly Hot Chocolate Cheesecake for Cozy Winter Nights Indulge in a slice of Hot Chocolate Cheesecake, blending creamy texture with rich cocoa flavors for a warm winter delight. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes minsChilling Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 7 hours hrs 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Oreo Crust24 cookies Oreo Cookies A crunchy base that adds delicious chocolate flavor.5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Binds the Oreo crumbs together.For the Cheesecake Filling24 ounces Cream Cheese Provide at room temperature for easy blending.1 cup Granulated Sugar Substitutable with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.1 packet Hot Cocoa Mix Infuses the cheesecake with chocolate flavor.¼ cup Cocoa Powder Always use unsweetened for best results.1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream works for a dairy-free version.2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor.4 large Eggs Ensure at room temperature for proper emulsification.For the Whipped Topping1 cup Heavy Cream Chilled cream whips up best for topping.¼ cup Powdered Sugar A sugar alternative can be used if desired. Equipment 9-inch springform panFood processorElectric MixerParchment Paperlarge baking dish Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Hot Chocolate CheesecakePreheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper.In a food processor, blend 24 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and mix with 5 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 11 minutes.In a large mixing bowl, beat 24 ounces of cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth.Mix in 1 packet of hot cocoa mix, ¼ cup of cocoa powder, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.Add in 4 room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.Pour the cheesecake batter into the crust, smooth the top, and place the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water.Bake for 75-85 minutes until edges are set. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and cool for 30 minutes.Let it cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with ¼ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until medium peaks form.Spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled cheesecake and optionally decorate with mini marshmallows or chocolate chips.Slice and serve with warm beverages like hot chocolate or coffee. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and chill the cheesecake thoroughly before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
