Creamy Chocolate Mascarpone Cheesecake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert

Crafting a luxurious chocolate mascarpone cheesecake can transport you to an Italian dessert paradise.

Smooth cream cheese blends with rich mascarpone for an incomparable texture.

chocolate lovers will swoon over this silky, indulgent treat.

Each spoonful promises a velvety experience that melts on your tongue.

Dark cocoa and creamy cheese create a harmonious dance of flavors.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert feels like a culinary embrace.

We promise one slice will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Rich Flavors in Chocolate Mascarpone Cheesecake

• This cheesecake offers an ultimate chocolate lover's dream with rich mascarpone and decadent ganache that transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.
• Despite looking complex, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward, allowing home bakers of all skill levels to create a professional-looking dessert with minimal cooking expertise.
• Whether celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or hosting dinner parties, this cheesecake becomes an elegant centerpiece that guarantees impressed guests and delighted taste buds.
• Easily customizable with optional garnishes like fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings, making it versatile for different preferences and presentation styles.

What Goes Into Chocolate Mascarpone Cheesecake

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: A rich and crumbly base that adds deep chocolate flavor to the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness to complement the chocolate crust.

• Mascarpone Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that adds luxurious richness and smooth texture to the cheesecake.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a classic cheesecake base with a tangy and creamy consistency.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cheesecake filling.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a smooth, custard-like texture.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Chocolate: Brings a deep, rich chocolate flavor to the cheesecake filling.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, silky texture for the chocolate ganache topping.
• Chocolate Chips: Provide a rich chocolate flavor and glossy finish to the cheesecake.

How to Make This Rich Cheesecake

Step 1: Create Chocolate Cookie Crust

Warm up the oven to 350F.

• Chocolate cookie crumbs
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Press this delightful mixture firmly into a greased 9-inch springform pan.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Let the crust cool completely while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat mascarpone and cream cheese until silky smooth.

Gradually fold in sugar and sour cream, mixing until well blended.

Add eggs, vanilla, and melted chocolate.

Blend everything until the mixture looks perfectly uniform and luxurious.

Gently pour this dreamy filling over the cooled crust.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cheesecake into the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look set but the center still has a gentle jiggle.

Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an hour.

This helps prevent cracking and ensures a smooth texture.

Step 4: Create Decadent Chocolate Ganache

Heat cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer.

Pour the warm cream over chocolate chips in a separate bowl.

Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until the mixture becomes silky and glossy.

Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, drizzle and spread the ganache across the top.

Step 5: Unveil and Serve

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.

Slice into elegant pieces and serve chilled.

Add any desired garnishes like fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Cheesecake Tips for Creamy Results

• Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a water bath during baking to maintain even temperature and prevent surface cracks.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for rich, deep flavor and smooth ganache texture.
• Ensure mascarpone, cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, lump-free filling.
• Let the cheesecake cool gradually inside the turned-off oven to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause splitting or sinking.
• This cheesecake tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more intense chocolate profile.

How to Store and Serve Leftovers

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Carefully wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let the refrigerated slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture grainy and compromise the smooth consistency.
• If the ganache looks dull, gently warm it with a kitchen torch or place the slice near a warm heat source for a few seconds to restore its glossy shine.

Ideal Pairings for Chocolate Cheesecake

• Pair Velvety Red Wine: Select a rich, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the chocolate's deep flavors and creamy mascarpone texture.
• Elevate with Espresso Companion: Serve a freshly brewed espresso or strong Italian coffee alongside the cheesecake to enhance the chocolate's intensity and cut through its richness.
• Match with Berry Sorbet: Offer a small scoop of raspberry or blackberry sorbet as a palate-cleansing side that provides a tart contrast to the dessert's smooth, decadent profile.
• Accent with Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts around the plate to add a crunchy texture and nutty undertone that harmonizes with the chocolate's complexity.

Delicious Variations of Mascarpone Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Replace chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free chocolate graham crackers or almond flour cookie crumbs. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Chocolate Dream: Substitute cookie crust with crushed nuts like almonds or pecans. Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Select low-carb chocolate for the ganache.
• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Swap mascarpone and cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream. Replace eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba. Select dark vegan chocolate for filling and ganache.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Paradise: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like almond or coconut-based versions. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream. Select dairy-free chocolate chips for ganache.

FAQs

• Is mascarpone cheese necessary for this cheesecake?

Mascarpone adds a rich, creamy texture and subtle tangy flavor that sets this cheesecake apart from traditional recipes. It creates a smoother, more luxurious consistency compared to using only cream cheese.

• Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?

Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate all work well for the ganache. Choose a high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for the best flavor and smooth texture.

• Why do I need to bake the cheesecake in a cooled oven?

Gradual cooling prevents cracking by allowing the cheesecake to set slowly and evenly. This technique helps maintain a silky, crack-free surface and prevents the edges from becoming dry or overcooked.

• How do I know if the cheesecake is properly baked?

Look for set edges and a slightly jiggly center. The cheesecake should have a gentle wobble when you move the pan, but the edges should appear firm and not liquid. This indicates it’s perfectly cooked and will set properly when chilled.

Decadent Chocolate Mascarpone Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Chocolate Mascarpone Cheesecake whispers pure Italian dessert magic, blending rich mascarpone with deep chocolate notes. Rich, creamy layers promise a sensational finale that lingers luxuriously on palates, leaving you craving each silky, sophisticated bite.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) granulated sugar

Cheesecake Base Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 8 ounces (227 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

Ganache Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundation by combining chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar into a compact mixture. Press firmly into a greased 9-inch springform pan, creating an even base layer. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
2. Whip mascarpone and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Gradually fold in sugar and sour cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Gently incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate, blending until the filling becomes luxuriously smooth.
3. Carefully transfer the filling over the prepared crust, spreading evenly to prevent air pockets. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. The edges should appear set while the center maintains a subtle wobble.
4. After baking, switch off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest inside for approximately one hour. This gradual cooling prevents cracking and ensures a creamy consistency. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight.
5. Create the ganache by heating cream until it reaches a gentle simmer. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for several minutes. Stir until achieving a glossy, smooth finish. Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, cascade the ganache across the surface, spreading with a smooth motion.
6. Release the cheesecake from the springform pan with precision. Slice into elegant portions and serve chilled, optionally embellishing with decorative garnishes for an elevated presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking: Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a water bath during baking to ensure even heat distribution and reduce surface cracks.
• Chocolate Selection: Use high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that complements the creamy mascarpone.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese, mascarpone, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, lump-free filling.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap regular cookies with gluten-free alternatives and use lactose-free cream cheese for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg