9.7 oz (275g) Oreo cookies (about 25 whole cookies), plus 2 -3 extra for garnish
2.9 oz (80g) unsalted butter, melted
For the filling
12 oz (375g) semi-sweet chocolate (at least 54% cocoa solids), melted and cooled
17.8 oz (500g) full-fat cream cheese
7 oz (200 g) sweetened condensed milk
For the chocolate ganache topping (optional)
4.4 oz / 125 g semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 10-inch (25cm) springform pan. Then line the bottom and the sides with parchment paper. Set aside.
Melt the chocolate and set it aside to cool down to room temperature. You can melt it over a double boiler or in short, 10 second increments in the microwave, stirring after each increment. Set aside to cool.
Make the crust
Pulse the cookies in a food processor until they’re fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can put the cookies in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Add the melted butter and pulse a few times to incorporate the butter. It should be like wet sand and stick together when you hold some between your fingers. If you don’t have a food processor, mix the butter with a rubber spatula.
Add the crust mixture to the bottom of a springform pan. Use the bottom of a straight glass to even it out. (Or use the bottom of a measuring cup or the back of a spoon.)
Put it in the refrigerator to chill while making the filling.
Make the filling
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth and creamy.
Add the melted chocolate to the cream cheese mixture and beat for about 1-2 minutes.
Pour the chocolate cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly on top. I like using an offset spatula for this.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm (overnight is even better).
Unlatch the springform pan and remove the parchment paper from the sides. Use a knife or a metal spatula and gently run it under the bottom of the cheesecake to loosen it. Then carefully slide it onto a plate.
Crush the reserved Oreo cookies and sprinkle over the cheesecake.
Make the chocolate ganache topping (optional)
In a heat-proof bowl, preferably glass, add the chocolate, cream or milk, and butter and place it over a pot of just simmering water. Stir until the chocolate melts completely. Drizzle over the cheesecake.
Enjoy!
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to about 5 days.
Notes
Picture Tutorial & Tips: I have a detailed picture tutorial in my post to help you out with each step of the recipe as well as lots of tips to ensure success.
I recommend using the best high-quality chocolate you can buy!
If you want a thicker and taller cheesecake, you can easily double the ingredients for the same pan or use a six-inch springform pan with the ingredients listed for this recipe.
Make sure you use sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk, which is completely different.
Use full-fat cream cheese for best results. The extra fat will not only help the cheesecake firm up better, but it also creates a nice, rich flavor.