Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of dessert! There’s just something magical about a rich, creamy slice of candy studded chocolate cheesecake that makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering—everyone’s eyes lit up as I brought it to the table, all shiny and colorful with those fun candies peeking out. It was an instant hit! The combination of smooth chocolate cheesecake with the crunch of candy is just pure bliss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming about it! It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy night in when you want to treat yourself. Let’s dive into making this delightful dessert together!
Ingredients for Candy Studded Chocolate Cheesecake
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs – these will create a deliciously crunchy crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – this binds the crumbs together and adds richness
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened – the star of the show, giving that creamy texture
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for just the right amount of sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – to enhance all those lovely flavors
- 3 large eggs – these help the cheesecake set perfectly
- 1 cup sour cream – for an extra creamy and tangy bite
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – because who doesn’t love more chocolate?
- 1 cup assorted candies for topping – this is where the fun begins! Choose your favorites for that colorful pop
How to Prepare Candy Studded Chocolate Cheesecake
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 325°F (160°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the cheesecake bake evenly, so don’t skip this step!
Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine your chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Stir it up until everything is well mixed and resembles wet sand. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. You want it to be nice and compact, creating a solid base for your cheesecake.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. It’s okay to take your time here—just make sure there are no lumps! Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, blend in the sour cream and chocolate chips until everything is combined and dreamy.
Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake batter over your crust and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. That’s the magic of cheesecake!
Cool and Refrigerate
Once baked, let your cheesecake cool at room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours—this chilling time is crucial for developing that rich texture and flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Top with Candies
When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle your assorted candies on top. You can go wild here—arrange them in a fun pattern or just toss them on for a colorful, playful look. It’s the perfect finishing touch that’ll make everyone smile!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation and easy steps make it a breeze for any skill level
- Rich, creamy chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth
- Colorful candy topping adds a fun and festive touch
- Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply indulging yourself
- Impressive presentation that will wow your guests
Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect candy studded chocolate cheesecake, start with room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese. This helps create a smooth filling without lumps—nobody wants that! Also, don’t rush the mixing; take your time to beat the cream cheese and sugar together until silky. If you prefer a firmer cheesecake, bake it a little longer, but keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Lastly, let it cool completely before chilling. This ensures the texture is just right, and you’ll be rewarded with a slice that’s both creamy and decadent!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious candy studded chocolate cheesecake, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to keep that creamy goodness intact. Simply cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long! If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to indulge again. No reheating needed; it’s best served chilled!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for a slice of this delectable candy studded chocolate cheesecake. Each serving contains about 350 calories, with 22g of fat (12g saturated), 5g of protein, and 32g of carbohydrates, including 25g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy in moderation, and savor every rich, creamy bite!
FAQ About Candy Studded Chocolate Cheesecake
How can I avoid cracks in my cheesecake?
Cracks can be a bummer! To prevent them, make sure not to overmix the batter, and bake at a lower temperature. Also, letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar can help.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that it may not be as rich and creamy as the full-fat version, but it’ll still taste delicious.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
No worries! You can use a regular round cake pan, just be sure to line it with parchment paper so you can easily remove the cheesecake once it’s set.
Can I substitute the candies on top?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your toppings—try nuts, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel for a different twist.
Candy Studded Chocolate Cheesecake to Delight 7 Palates
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy chocolate cheesecake topped with colorful candy.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup assorted candies for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Blend in sour cream and chocolate chips.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Top with assorted candies before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- For a firmer cheesecake, bake longer.
- Allow cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: candy studded chocolate cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, dessert, cheesecake