Chocolate Basque Cheesecake

5 from 3 votes

This Chocolate Basque Cheesecake is creamy and rich made with bittersweet chocolate and cream cheese for the perfect indulgent chocolate dessert.

Prep Time15

Cook Time35

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Spanish

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings:

Calories: 290kcal

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Butter a 9-inch springform pan. Then line the pan with parchment paper so that you have 2 inches of overhang around the entire pan. If needed, you can butter the parchment paper and layer another sheet of parchment paper on top. The butter helps the parchment paper stick to the pan.
In a large bowl use a hand held mixer or a stand mixer to beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar for 5 minutes. Start on low, then increase the speed one notch.
Add the salt and combine.
In a separate microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and microwave for 1 minute at 50% power. Continue adding 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time at 50% power, stirring in between until fully melted.
Add the melted chocolate to the cream cheese mixture and beat to combine.
Ensure that the mixture is cool, and not hot. Then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated before adding the next egg. Add the vanilla extract and combine
Add the heavy cream and whisk to incorporate. Use a fine mesh strainer to sift the cocoa powder a little at a time into the mixture, using a whisk to incorporate the cocoa powder into the batter.
Pour the chocolate cheesecake batter into the springform pan.
Bake at 400°F for 35 minutes or until the top is very dark brown (but not burned) around the edges and the center is still quite wiggly. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until serving.

Bittersweet Chocolate Chips: It is very important to use high-quality chocolate chips. I recommend either Ghirardelli or Guittard. They can be found at regular grocery stores, Target, Whole Foods, and Amazon. Store brand or lower quality brands will not melt well and just won’t taste as good.
Sifting Cocoa Powder: Sifting in the cocoa powder prevents clumps of the cocoa powder from forming in the batter. The cocoa powder provides depth of flavor as well as enhances the texture.
Serving: This is a very rich cake. Each individual may only need a small slice, which also enables you to serve a large crowd easily.