Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Winter desserts don't get more comforting than a slice of hot chocolate cheesecake that melts in your mouth like your favorite warm drink. This decadent dessert combines the creamy richness of traditional cheesecake with the cozy flavors of hot cocoa, creating the perfect treat for cold evenings and holiday gatherings.

As someone who's perfected this hot chocolate cheesecake recipe over countless winter seasons, I can promise you'll be amazed at how this hot chocolate cheesecake captures all the warmth and comfort of your favorite winter beverage in dessert form. The silky texture and rich chocolate flavor make this hot chocolate cheesecake an instant crowd-pleaser that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe Stands Out

Hot chocolate cheesecake has become increasingly popular during the winter months, and it's easy to see why this creamy chocolate dessert has captured hearts everywhere. Unlike regular chocolate cheesecake, this hot chocolate cheesecake incorporates the specific flavors and textures that make hot cocoa so beloved ; the marshmallow notes, the rich cocoa depth, and that warming spice blend that makes winter nights special.

What sets this hot chocolate cheesecake apart from other chocolate dessert recipes is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The Oreo crust cheesecake base provides a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth, velvety filling, while the marshmallow topping adds that authentic hot cocoa experience. This baked chocolate cheesecake delivers all the indulgence you crave without being overly sweet, making it the ideal finale to any winter meal or holiday celebration.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Secret Winter Magic Tips
• FAQ
• Sweet Winter Memories Await
• Related
• Pairing
• Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the Crust

• Chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Hot chocolate mix
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

For the Topping

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and wrap the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil.
2. Mix crushed cookies, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until evenly combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

1. Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Gradually add sugar, beating until well combined and no lumps remain.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just incorporated.
4. Mix in sour cream, cocoa powder, hot chocolate mix, vanilla extract, and salt until the batter is smooth and uniform.

H3: Step 3: Bake to Perfection

1. Pour the filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides.
3. Bake for 55-65 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
4. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the hot chocolate cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
5. Step 4: Chill and Add Final Touches
6. Remove from oven and run a knife around the edges to prevent cracking.
7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely chilled and set.
8. Before serving, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
9. Top each slice with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and chocolate shavings.

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting the perfect texture and flavor in your cheesecake requires attention to detail and a few professional techniques that make all the difference.

Temperature Control Secrets:

• Always use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest filling
• Avoid overmixing once you add the eggs to prevent cracks
• The water bath prevents the cheesecake from drying out and cracking

Flavor Enhancement Tips:

• Toast your marshmallows lightly with a kitchen torch for authentic s'mores cheesecake flavor
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for extra warmth
• Let the cocoa powder bloom in a tablespoon of hot water before adding for richer chocolate taste

Perfect Texture Guidelines:

• Test doneness by gently shaking the pan ; the center should jiggle slightly
• Cool gradually to prevent sudden temperature changes that cause cracks
• Chill overnight for the best slicing results and fullest flavor development

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

This versatile hot chocolate cheesecake base adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and flavor preferences, making it accessible to everyone at your table.

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Oreo cookies with gluten-free chocolate cookies or make a graham cracker crust using gluten-free crackers
• Sugar-Free Option: Substitute granulated sugar with erythritol or stevia blend (use ¾ the amount)
• Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream

Creative Flavor Twists:

• S'mores Cheesecake: Add crushed graham crackers to the filling and top with toasted marshmallows
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and crushed candy canes
• Salted Caramel Version: Swirl caramel sauce into the filling and sprinkle with sea salt
• Double Chocolate Cheesecake: Fold in mini chocolate chips and add chocolate ganache cheesecake topping

Crust Alternatives:

• Use crushed gingersnap cookies for a spiced twist
• Try a no-bake chocolate cheesecake version with a simple cookie crust
• Create a brownie crust for extra chocolate intensity

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes creating this decadent chocolate treat much easier and ensures professional-looking results every time you make this hot chocolate cheesecake.

Essential Equipment:

• 9-inch springform pan ; the removable bottom makes unmolding effortless
• Electric mixer (stand or hand) ; crucial for achieving silky smooth cream cheese
• Large roasting pan ; needed for the water bath technique
• Aluminum foil ; prevents water from seeping into your pan
• Rubber spatula ; helps fold ingredients without overmixing

Nice-to-Have Tools:

• Food processor ; makes crushing cookies for the crust quick and uniform
• Kitchen scale ; ensures accurate measurements for consistent results
• Offset spatula ; creates perfectly smooth tops and clean edges
• Kitchen torch ; for toasting marshmallows and creating restaurant-quality presentation

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Proper storage techniques ensure your hot chocolate cheesecake maintains its creamy texture and rich flavor for days after baking.

Refrigerator Storage: Store covered cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent the dessert from absorbing other flavors. The texture actually improves after the first day as flavors meld together.

Freezing Instructions:

• Whole Cheesecake: Wrap completely cooled cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Individual Slices: Cut into portions, wrap each slice separately, and freeze in freezer bags for convenient single servings
• Thawing Process: Move to refrigerator 6-8 hours before serving for best texture

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Bake the cheesecake 2-3 days ahead for peak flavor development
• Prepare toppings separately and add just before serving to maintain texture
• The crust can be made and baked up to one week in advance

FAQ

Sweet Winter Memories Await

This rich and creamy hot chocolate cheesecake brings all the comfort of winter's favorite warm beverage into an elegant dessert that's perfect for any special occasion. The combination of silky cheesecake filling, chocolatey crust, and marshmallow topping creates a dessert experience that guests will remember long after the last bite. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to something special, this hot chocolate cheesecake delivers satisfaction in every slice.

Once you've mastered this recipe, consider trying our Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe for another creative take on the beloved winter flavor, or explore our Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Recipe for a different but equally indulgent dessert experience. Both recipes use similar techniques but offer completely different flavor profiles that will expand your dessert repertoire and give you more reasons to keep your springform pan busy throughout the season.

Sweet dreams are made of cheesecake! 🍰- Viola

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe :