No-Bake Christmas Chocolate Cheesecake
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (about 24 cookies)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz (three 8-oz blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint for garnish
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs and the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to avoid lumps, then add the vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is fully combined and fluffy.
- Pour the melted and slightly cooled chocolate into the cream cheese mixture. It is important that the chocolate is not hot, or it will melt the cream cheese. Fold or beat on low speed until the chocolate is thoroughly incorporated and the color is uniform.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in two batches. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the filling light and airy.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
- Once the cheesecake is set, run a thin knife around the edges before releasing the sides of the springform pan. Top with swirls of whipped cream and a generous dusting of festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes before slicing.