Chocolate Cheesecake

The perfect dessert for chocolate lovers: Chocolate and goji cheesecake

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8

I propose a delicious chocolate cheesecake recipe that will win over any heart, especially that of your sweet-toothed brother-in-law. This cheesecake is simple to make but has a sophisticated taste, thanks to the combination of cheese and praline. Let’s see together how you can prepare this quick dessert that will surely become a favorite among friends and family!

Your ingredients for a memorable cheesecake:

- 300g cocoa cookies
- 200g butter (preferably unsalted)
- A handful of goji berries (about 30g, for a delicious taste and texture)
- 3 tablespoons of raw sugar
- 400g full-fat cream cheese (choose a quality variant for better taste)
- 100g mascarpone
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of raw sugar (you can adjust the amount to taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons of condensed milk (for extra creaminess)
- Chocolate flakes (to taste, for decoration)
- Pralines (optional, for an extra touch of refinement)

A brief history of cheesecake

Cheesecake is a dessert with a long history that has evolved over time, being adapted to different cultures and tastes. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but it is certainly appreciated as a refined dessert suitable for special occasions. By adding chocolate and goji berries, our recipe gains a modern and healthy touch, perfect for those days when you want to indulge yourself.

Step by step: Preparing chocolate cheesecake

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C if you have a fan oven). This step is essential to ensure even baking of the cheesecake.

2. Preparing the crust: In a food processor, add the cocoa cookies, raw sugar, and goji berries. Crush everything until you achieve a fine texture. These goji berries will add a subtle fruity note and a splash of color.

3. Add the melted butter: Pour the melted butter over the cookie mixture and mix well until you get a moist but crumbly composition. This will form the perfect base for the cheesecake.

4. Shape the base: In a baking pan (preferably with a removable bottom), press the cookie mixture, making sure to form a high edge that will support the cheese filling. Bake the crust in the oven for 7-10 minutes until it becomes slightly crispy.

5. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, mascarpone, raw sugar, and eggs. Make sure everything is well homogenized. Add the condensed milk, which will add a creamy texture and a sweet taste, and mix again.

6. Assemble the cheesecake: Remove the cookie crust from the oven and add the pralines inside. They will melt slightly during baking, providing an intense chocolate flavor. Pour the cheese mixture over the crust and smooth the surface.

7. Bake the cheesecake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes, until the filling is firm but still slightly wobbly in the center. It is important not to overbake it, as the cheesecake will continue to firm up as it cools.

8. Cooling: Once the cheesecake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, put it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (ideally, leave it overnight).

9. Decorating: After the cheesecake has cooled, grate chocolate over the entire surface and add a few pralines for an attractive look. These details not only make it more appetizing but also more festive.

Useful tips and variations

- Cookies: You can use any type of cocoa cookies, but make sure they are crunchy enough to form a good base.
- Goji berries: If you don’t have them on hand, you can experiment with other dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins.
- For a hint of flavor: Add vanilla extract or lemon zest to the cheese filling for a more sophisticated taste.
- Serving: The cheesecake can be served plain or with a berry sauce for a delicious contrast.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This chocolate cheesecake recipe has approximately 350 calories per serving, but it also enjoys some nutritional benefits. Goji berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while cheese provides essential proteins. Consumed in moderation, this dessert can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of cheese?: Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese, but the textures and flavors will vary.
- How can I tell if the cheesecake is done?: Check if the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly. It will firm up as it cools.
- Can I make the cheesecake a day in advance?: Absolutely! In fact, the cheesecake becomes tastier as it cools, so it’s perfect to prepare a day before serving.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This chocolate and goji cheesecake will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces and create sweet memories. Happy cooking!