Description
Indulgent dark chocolate lemon cheesecake whispers sweet secrets of culinary artistry, blending rich cocoa with zesty citrus notes. Creamy layers promise a sophisticated dessert experience that delights sophisticated palates and sparks joy with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 (226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 ounces (113 grams) dark chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing firmly into a springform pan to create a solid base.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth, incorporating eggs individually to ensure a luxurious, uniform texture.
- Infuse the mixture with tangy sour cream, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
- Divide the creamy filling, pouring the initial layer over the prepared crust.
- Transform half the mixture by melting dark chocolate into it, creating a rich, decadent layer with contrasting color and flavor.
- Carefully transfer the pan to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the cheesecake to bake for 55-60 minutes until the center sets and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and permit the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight, enabling the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly firm.
Notes
- Crust Perfection: Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smooth, even base that holds together perfectly when sliced.
- Chocolate Swirl Technique: Gently fold melted dark chocolate into half the cheesecake mixture to create beautiful marbled layers without overmixing.
- Temperature Control: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before beating to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth texture.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This cheesecake actually tastes better when chilled overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 401 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 174 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg