Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes

Introduction & Inspiration

This recipe, “Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes,” is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. It’s an intensely rich and decadent dessert that combines multiple layers of chocolate goodness.

The inspiration comes from the desire to create a truly over-the-top chocolate cheesecake experience, in a convenient and adorable mini format.

These mini cheesecakes feature an OREO® cookie crust, a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, a layer of smooth chocolate ganache, and a topping of chocolate whipped cream, garnished with a piece of Hershey’s® chocolate.

It’s a recipe that’s perfect for special occasions, birthdays, or any time you want to indulge in a truly unforgettable chocolate treat.

Nostalgic Appeal (with an Intense Chocolate Twist)

These cheesecakes tap into the nostalgic appeal of cheesecake, a classic dessert often associated with celebrations and family gatherings.

The use of OREO®s in the crust adds a familiar and beloved cookie element.

However, the intense focus on chocolate – in the filling, the ganache, and the whipped cream – elevates these cheesecakes to a whole new level of decadence.

It’s a recipe that combines familiar elements with an over-the-top chocolate experience, appealing to both traditionalists and chocolate fanatics.

Homemade Goodness

This recipe is all about creating a truly decadent dessert from scratch, from the OREO® crust to the chocolate cheesecake filling, the ganache, and the chocolate whipped cream.

Making each component yourself allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and to ensure a truly exceptional flavor and texture.

It’s a rewarding experience, from the mixing of the batter to the layering of the components and the final, satisfying bite.

The homemade aspect adds a touch of love and care, making these mini cheesecakes even more special.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal is an intense, multi-layered chocolate experience, with a balance of creamy, tangy, and bittersweet flavors, and a variety of textures.

The OREO® crust provides a dark chocolate, slightly crunchy base.

The chocolate cheesecake filling is creamy, tangy, and intensely chocolatey, thanks to both cocoa powder and melted bittersweet chocolate.

The chocolate ganache adds a layer of smooth, rich, and decadent chocolate flavor.

The chocolate whipped cream contributes a light, airy texture and another layer of chocolate, with a hint of sweetness.

The Hershey’s® chocolate piece garnish adds a final touch of classic chocolate flavor and visual appeal.

It’s a flavor combination that’s designed for serious chocolate lovers, a truly unforgettable indulgence.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down each ingredient:

For the Cheesecakes:

• OREO®s: These form the base of the crust, providing a dark chocolate, slightly crunchy foundation.
• Melted Butter: This binds the OREO® crumbs together, creating a cohesive crust.
• Cream Cheese (softened): This is the key ingredient in the cheesecake filling, providing its signature tangy flavor and creamy texture. Using full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: This adds a bit of structure to the filling, helping it to set properly.
• Cocoa Powder: This contributes to the chocolate flavor and color of the filling.
• Kosher Salt: This balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Large Eggs: These add richness and structure to the filling, helping it to set during baking.
• Bittersweet Chocolate Chips (melted): This adds an intense, bittersweet chocolate flavor to the filling.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Chocolate Chips: These form the base of the ganache, providing the rich chocolate flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This is heated and poured over the chocolate chips to create a smooth, pourable ganache.

For the Chocolate Whipped Cream:

• Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the whipped cream, providing a light and airy texture.
• Chocolate Syrup: This adds a chocolatey flavor and color to the whipped cream.
• Hershey’s® Bar (broken into small pieces): This is used as a garnish, adding a final touch of classic chocolate flavor.

Essential Equipment

Here’s the equipment you’ll need:

• Muffin tin (standard 12-cup): For baking the mini cheesecakes.
• Paper liners: To line the muffin tin and prevent sticking.
• Large mixing bowls (multiple): For preparing the crust, filling, ganache, and whipped cream.
• Hand mixer (or stand mixer): For beating the cream cheese and other filling ingredients, and for making the whipped cream.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Small microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate for the ganache.
• Food processor or resealable plastic bag and rolling pin: For crushing the OREO®s.
• Piping bag with a star tip (optional): For piping the chocolate whipped cream onto the cheesecakes.
• Spatulas

That’s a fairly standard list of baking equipment!

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the ingredient list with precise measurements:

Cheesecakes:

• 12 OREO®s
• 4 Tbsp. melted butter
• 1 ½ (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips, melted

Chocolate Ganache:

• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream

Chocolate Whipped Cream:

• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 3 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
• 1 (1.55-oz) Hershey’s bar, broken into small pieces, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners.
2. Make Crust: In a large resealable plastic bag or a food processor fitted with a metal blade, crush or blend the OREO®s until fine crumbs form. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and pour in the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are completely coated and moistened. Press about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each liner.
3. Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment), beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat until well combined. Fold in the melted bittersweet chocolate.
4. Fill Crusts: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the prepared liners.
5. Bake: Bake the cheesecakes until only slightly jiggly in the center, 12 to 14 minutes.
6. Cool: Let the cheesecakes cool for 5 minutes in the pan and then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour.
7. Make Chocolate Ganache: Once the cheesecakes are cold, make the chocolate ganache. Add the chocolate chips and heavy cream to a microwave-safe dish. Microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted. Stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Top with Ganache: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the chocolate ganache on top of each cheesecake. Return them to the refrigerator to let the chocolate sauce set, about 10 more minutes.
9. Make Chocolate Whipped Cream: While the ganache is setting, make the chocolate whipped cream. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with the chocolate syrup until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes.
10. Pipe and Garnish: Transfer the chocolate whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or use a spoon). Top each cheesecake with the chocolate whipped cream and garnish with a piece of Hershey’s® chocolate.

Troubleshooting

Here are a few potential issues and solutions:

• Cheesecakes Cracking: Cheesecakes can crack if they’re overbaked or if they cool too quickly. Make sure to bake them until just set (slightly jiggly in the center) and let them cool gradually. A water bath can help.
• Filling Too Runny: Make sure you’re using full-fat cream cheese and that your ingredients are at the correct temperatures (softened cream cheese, room temperature eggs).
• Ganache Too Thick: If the ganache is too thick, add a teaspoon of warm heavy cream at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.
• Ganache Too Runny: If the ganache is too runny, let it cool for a few more minutes, whisking occasionally. You can also add a bit more chocolate chips.
• Whipped Cream Not Whipping: Make sure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping. You can also chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for a few minutes before starting.

Tips and Variations

Here are some ways to customize this recipe:

• Different Crust: Use chocolate graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even a brownie base instead of the OREO®s.
• Different Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate in the filling or for the ganache.
• Add Extract: Add a touch of peppermint extract to create a chocolate mint flavor.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cheesecake filling or sprinkle them on top of the ganache.
• Add Fruit: Top the chilled cheesecakes with fresh berries or a fruit compote.
• Different Candy: Add different candies for decoration or into the batter.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes are perfect for:

• Special Occasions: They’re an elegant and decadent dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration.
• Dessert Buffets: Their individual portions make them ideal for parties and gatherings.
• Chocolate Lovers: They’re a dream come true for anyone who loves intense chocolate flavor.
• Everyday Indulgence: They’re a perfect way to satisfy your chocolate cravings any day of the week.

They pair well with coffee, tea, a glass of milk, or a dessert wine.

Nutritional Information

These mini cheesecakes are a very rich and indulgent treat, so they contain a significant amount of sugar and fat from the OREO®s, butter, cream cheese, chocolate, and heavy cream.

The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

It’s best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Summary: Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes are individual cheesecakes with an OREO® cookie crust, a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, a layer of smooth chocolate ganache, and a topping of chocolate whipped cream and a piece of Hershey’s® chocolate. They’re an intensely chocolatey and decadent dessert!

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cheesecakes (up to the point of adding the whipped cream and Hershey’s® bar) up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator. Add the whipped cream and chocolate garnish just before serving.

Q: How long do they last? A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze them? A: You can freeze the cheesecakes before adding the whipped cream and Hershey’s® bar for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container. Add the whipped cream and chocolate garnish after thawing.

Q: Do I have to use bittersweet chocolate? A: No, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference.

Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust? A: Absolutely! Use any type of cookie you like.

The History of Chocolate Cheesecakes

While the classic cheesecake is typically vanilla-flavored, chocolate cheesecakes have become a popular variation.

The addition of chocolate to cheesecake creates a rich, decadent, and intensely flavorful dessert.

Chocolate cheesecakes can be made with various types of chocolate, including:

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This provides a deep, dark chocolate flavor.
• Melted Chocolate: This adds richness and a smooth texture.
• Chocolate Chips: These provide bursts of chocolate flavor.

Chocolate cheesecakes can also be combined with other flavors, such as:

• Peanut Butter: A classic combination.
• Raspberry: The tartness of raspberries complements the richness of chocolate.
• Mint: A refreshing and popular pairing.
• Coffee: Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.

Our Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes are a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of chocolate cheesecake, incorporating multiple layers of chocolate for an unforgettable experience.

The Art of Making Whipped Cream

The chocolate whipped cream topping on these cheesecakes is a simple yet essential component.

Making whipped cream from scratch is easy and rewarding, and it tastes far superior to store-bought whipped topping.

Here are a few tips for making perfect whipped cream:

• Use Cold Heavy Cream: The colder the cream, the better it will whip. You can even chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for a few minutes before starting.
• Don’t Overwhip: Overwhipping the cream can cause it to become grainy and separate. Whip the cream just until stiff peaks form.
• Add Flavorings: You can add flavorings to your whipped cream, such as vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or liqueurs.
• Sweeten to Taste: Add powdered sugar or other sweeteners to taste.

In this recipe, we add chocolate syrup to the heavy cream to create a delicious and easy chocolate whipped cream.

The Importance of Cooling and Chilling

Cooling and chilling are crucial steps in this recipe:

• Cooling the Cupcakes: Allowing the cupcakes to cool completely before filling and frosting them prevents the filling and ganache from melting.
• Chilling the Cheesecakes: Chilling the cheesecakes after baking allows the filling to set completely, creating a firm and creamy texture.
• Chilling the Ganache: Chilling the ganache slightly before spreading it on the cheesecakes allows it to thicken and set.
• Chilling After Assembly: Chilling the assembled cheesecakes allows all the components to meld together and firm up.

Taking the time to cool and chill the various components of this recipe ensures the best possible results in terms of both flavor and texture.

The Joy of Indulging in Dessert

Desserts, like these Mini Death By Chocolate Cheesecakes, are meant to be enjoyed and savored.

It’s okay to indulge in a rich and decadent treat from time to time, especially when it’s homemade with love and care.

The combination of intense chocolate flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of nostalgia makes these cheesecakes a truly special dessert.