The Triple Chocolate Cheesecake is the epitome of indulgence, combining a crisp chocolate cookie crust with a silky, deeply chocolatey cream cheese filling. Crowned with a glossy ganache that drips seductively over the edges, this dessert is pure heaven for chocolate aficionados.
This rich and creamy treat is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion where you want to impress. Despite its lavishness, the process is quite doable with a little planning. Just be sure to give it the overnight chill it deserves—your patience will be rewarded in every luscious bite.
Full Recipe:
For the Crust:
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8 chocolate graham crackers
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1/3 cup (66g) sugar
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1 tablespoon cocoa powder
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1 pinch kosher salt
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
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1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
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1 1/4 cups (250g) sugar
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2 tablespoons cocoa powder
For the Ganache Topping:
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3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
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1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional, for shine)
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1 pinch kosher salt
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8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Make the crust: Pulse chocolate graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground. Add sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and melted butter. Pulse to combine. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool.
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Lower oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Melt chocolate: In a saucepan over low heat, stir chopped chocolate and cream until smooth. Set aside.
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Make the filling: Beat eggs, vanilla, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, scraping the bowl often. Add sugar and cocoa; beat again. Slowly mix in egg mixture. Fold in melted chocolate.
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Prepare water bath: Triple-wrap springform pan in foil. Pour in filling. Set in a roasting pan and add warm water halfway up the pan.
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Bake for 55–65 minutes until just set in the center with a slight jiggle. Let cool in water bath for 1 hour, then on a rack for another hour. Chill overnight in the fridge.
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Make ganache: Simmer cream, corn syrup, and salt. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 5 mins, then stir in vanilla until smooth. Cool.
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Finish the cake: Remove cheesecake from springform. Rewarm ganache slightly if needed. Pour over cheesecake, letting it drip down the sides. Chill until set.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 65 minutes + cooling | Total Time: ~24 hours (with chilling)
Kcal: 566 kcal | Servings: 12
Introduction: A Love Letter to Chocolate Cheesecake
There’s something universally magical about the combination of chocolate and cheesecake. It’s where creamy tang meets deep cocoa richness—decadent, luxurious, and unapologetically indulgent. The Triple Chocolate Cheesecake elevates this classic pairing to a whole new level. From its chocolate graham cracker crust to the lush chocolate-infused cream cheese filling and a crowning ganache glaze, each bite feels like a celebration of texture and flavor.
Whether you’re a lifelong chocoholic or someone simply seeking a showstopping dessert for a special occasion, this dessert checks every box. Rich, smooth, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet, it’s a cheesecake that demands your full attention and rewards you generously with every forkful.
Why Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Is So Popular
This cheesecake isn’t just another chocolate dessert—it’s an experience. The “triple” in its name isn’t just for show; it’s the promise of three distinct layers of chocolate that each bring something unique to the table.
First, there’s the crust. Instead of a traditional graham cracker base, this one uses chocolate graham crackers or cookies, which deliver an extra punch of cocoa while offering a crisp texture to contrast the creamy filling. The filling itself is rich with semi-sweet melted chocolate, blended seamlessly with cream cheese, sugar, and a hint of cocoa powder. Finally, a glossy ganache glaze poured over the top gives it a stunning finish, both in presentation and flavor.
Together, these layers strike a beautiful balance between structure and softness, sweetness and bitterness, simplicity and extravagance. It’s no wonder this dessert frequently tops lists of “most loved cheesecakes” in both home kitchens and restaurants alike.
What Makes It Unique Compared to Regular Cheesecake
While traditional cheesecake often leans toward a lighter, tangier profile, the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake goes all in on richness. The addition of melted chocolate to the filling fundamentally changes the texture—making it denser, smoother, and more indulgent.
Another defining feature is the ganache topping. Ganache, made from cream and chocolate, adds a final layer of richness and silkiness. It’s not just a topping; it’s a statement. Letting it cascade down the sides of the cake creates visual drama, and chilling it slightly before serving gives the ganache a fudgy, truffle-like consistency.
Moreover, the cheesecake is baked in a water bath—a method that ensures even baking and prevents cracks. It’s a step that might seem tedious but makes all the difference in achieving a flawless, professional-looking result.
Perfect Occasions to Serve This Cheesecake
This isn’t your average weekday dessert. Triple Chocolate Cheesecake shines best during special occasions and gatherings. Think:
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Holiday Dinners – It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day.
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Birthday Celebrations – For the friend or family member who lives for chocolate.
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Anniversaries – Paired with a glass of red wine or espresso, it’s a romantic finale to any meal.
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Dinner Parties – It adds an elegant touch to your dessert spread and is guaranteed to impress guests.
Its rich flavor means that even a small slice satisfies, making it an excellent option when you’re feeding a crowd and want to stretch your dessert.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
This is especially important for the cream cheese and eggs. Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly, resulting in a creamier filling without lumps.
2. Avoid Overbeating the Batter:
One common cause of cracked cheesecakes is incorporating too much air into the batter. Beating at low speed helps create a smooth, dense texture and prevents unsightly cracks.
3. Embrace the Water Bath:
While it can seem intimidating, using a water bath ensures gentle, even baking. It helps regulate the temperature around the cheesecake and reduces the risk of overcooking.
4. Don’t Rush the Cooling Process:
Cheesecake needs time to set properly. Allow it to cool in the oven with the door slightly open, then on the counter, and finally in the fridge overnight. Rushing this process can result in a cake that doesn’t hold its shape or texture.
5. Warm the Ganache Gently:
Before pouring, make sure the ganache is fluid but not hot. A quick zap in the microwave (in 15-second intervals) is usually all it needs to reach that perfect pourable state.
Serving Suggestions
Though it’s stunning on its own, this cheesecake welcomes embellishments. Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or cherries cut through the richness with a touch of tartness. A dollop of lightly whipped cream adds a soft, airy contrast to the dense cheesecake.
Chocolate shavings, curls, or even a dusting of cocoa powder can elevate the presentation, making it look bakery-worthy. You could even add a drizzle of raspberry or caramel sauce for added flavor complexity.
For beverages, this dessert pairs beautifully with espresso, port wine, or even a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon. The bitterness of coffee and tannins of wine offer a pleasant contrast to the sweet creaminess of the cheesecake.
Storing and Freezing Tips
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though the crust may begin to soften slightly after day three. Store it covered, preferably in a cake dome or with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any refrigerator odors.
To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. It maintains its texture remarkably well, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert option.
Variations and Customizations
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, the possibilities for customization are endless:
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White Chocolate Version: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate in the filling and ganache.
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Mocha Cheesecake: Add instant espresso powder to both the crust and filling to create a coffee-chocolate flavor profile.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Dollop spoonfuls of warmed peanut butter into the batter before baking and swirl for a Reese’s-inspired twist.
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Mint Chocolate: A splash of peppermint extract transforms it into a festive winter dessert.
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Nut Crust: Substitute the graham crackers with finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy, nutty base.
These tweaks allow you to tailor the cheesecake to different tastes and seasons, turning one classic recipe into many.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Yes, making this cheesecake requires time and a few extra steps—but the result is absolutely worth it. Unlike no-bake versions or simpler cheesecakes, this recipe delivers professional-level results right from your kitchen. It has that “wow” factor—both visually and flavor-wise.
Many home bakers find that once they master this dessert, it becomes a signature recipe, requested at family functions and potlucks again and again. And while it tastes like it came from an upscale patisserie, it’s made with straightforward, accessible ingredients.
Conclusion: A Dessert That Defines Indulgence
The Triple Chocolate Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of chocolate in its richest form. With its silky texture, deep chocolate flavor, and stunning ganache finish, it’s a showstopper from the first glance to the last bite.
Whether you’re baking it to impress guests or simply treating yourself to something unforgettable, this cheesecake delivers every time. It’s luxurious without being fussy, bold without being overwhelming, and classic while still feeling exciting.
If you’re going to make one dessert that people talk about long after the plates are cleared, make it this one. Triple Chocolate Cheesecake isn’t just good—it’s legendary.