Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe

The Best Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Sweet dreams come alive with this decadent chocolate chip cheesecake that promises pure indulgence.

Creamy layers melt perfectly between rich, crumbly graham cracker crusts.

Rich chocolate specks dance through silky cream cheese, creating irresistible texture.

Each slice tells a delightful story of comfort and celebration.

Smooth, velvety filling combines classic ingredients with playful chocolate surprises.

Dessert enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary treat.

One bite guarantees you’ll fall head over heels for this magical confection.

Why Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Is A Must-Make

  • Create with Minimal Skill: Perfect for novice bakers who want to impress without advanced pastry techniques, this chocolate chip cheesecake requires basic mixing and baking skills.
  • Customize Your Dessert: Versatile recipe allows personal touches like different chocolate types, added nuts, or drizzled toppings to match individual taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Rich, creamy texture and chocolate chips guarantee a dessert that appeals to multiple generations, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Simple step-by-step instructions and common kitchen ingredients mean you can create a gourmet-style dessert without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

Everything You’ll Need For Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

For the Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and create a rich, solid base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
For the Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy and tangy flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the smooth and luxurious texture of the filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper, more complex sweetness to the cheesecake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic notes.
  • Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the filling.
For the Mix-ins and Finishing:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a smooth, rich texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add delightful bursts of chocolate throughout the cheesecake.
  • Flour (for coating chocolate chips): Prevents the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the cheesecake.

How To Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 325°F and get a 9-inch springform pan ready by coating every inch of the inside with a generous layer of grease to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

Mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid and compact foundation for the cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Cream Cheese Smooth

Grab an electric mixer and beat the cream cheese until it becomes incredibly smooth and creamy. Make sure no stubborn lumps remain in the mixture.

Step 4: Blend Creamy Ingredients

Gradually add these ingredients into the cream cheese:
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Flour
  • Salt

Blend everything until the mixture looks completely uniform and silky.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs Gently

Add eggs one at a time, mixing carefully to avoid over-beating. The goal is to create a light and airy texture.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Lightly dust chocolate chips with flour to prevent them from sinking. Carefully fold these delightful morsels into the cheesecake batter.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth Batter

Transfer the batter over the graham cracker crust, using a spatula to create an even and smooth top surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 60-70 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.

Step 9: Cool Slowly

Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool gradually for one hour to prevent unsightly cracks from forming.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps develop rich, deep flavors and allows the texture to become perfectly creamy.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the springform pan, slice into beautiful pieces, and serve chilled for the most delectable cheesecake experience.

Tips That Help With Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

  • Prevent Cracking Carefully: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open to minimize surface cracks and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Flour Chocolate Chips First: Toss chocolate chips with a light dusting of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • Mix Cream Cheese Smoothly: Use an electric mixer and beat cream cheese until completely smooth, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky, consistent cheesecake.
  • Control Egg Mixing: Fold eggs into the batter gently and just until combined to avoid over-beating, which can cause the cheesecake to become dense and crack.
  • Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop and achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

Fun Variations For Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies, and use gluten-free flour to coat chocolate chips.
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, replace eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Low-Carb Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Swap graham cracker crust with a mixture of almond flour and crushed pecans, use a sugar substitute like erythritol, and choose sugar-free chocolate chips.

Tasty Pairings For Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake texture, enhancing the dessert's decadent flavor profile.
  • Serve with Fresh Berries: Arrange a vibrant mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries on the side to provide a tart, refreshing contrast against the sweet, dense cheesecake, adding brightness and visual appeal.
  • Match with Espresso Martini: Craft a smooth espresso martini featuring vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso to echo the chocolate notes while providing a sophisticated, caffeinated accompaniment that cuts through the cheesecake's richness.

How To Keep Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Fresh

  • Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent moisture and unwanted odors. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake from freezer to refrigerator and let it slowly defrost overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain optimal consistency and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power, or bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore the creamy texture and rich flavor.

Common Questions About Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

  • Why do I need to dust chocolate chips with flour?

Dusting chocolate chips with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cheesecake during baking, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dessert.

  • How can I tell if my cheesecake is done baking?

Look for set edges with a slightly jiggly center when gently shaken. The center should wobble like jelly, not appear liquid, indicating it’s perfectly baked.

  • What happens if I don't let the cheesecake cool slowly?

Rapid temperature changes can cause the cheesecake to crack. Slow cooling helps the dessert settle gradually and maintain a smooth, crack-free surface.

  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While possible, full-fat cream cheese provides better texture and richer flavor, which is crucial for a classic, creamy cheesecake experience.

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Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate chip cheesecake promises a symphony of creamy richness and sweet chocolate morsels. Rich layers melt together, delivering pure comfort with each luxurious bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Dairy Ingredients:

  • 24 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Baking Base Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Chocolate and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by thoroughly greasing the sides and bottom.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a compact crust.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Gradually incorporate sour cream, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and salt into the cream cheese mixture, blending until completely uniform.
  5. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined to prevent over-beating.
  6. Toss chocolate chips with a light dusting of flour to prevent sinking, then delicately fold into the cheesecake batter.
  7. Pour the batter evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
  9. Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
  10. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop rich flavors.
  11. Remove from springform pan, slice, and serve chilled for optimal texture and taste.

Notes

  • Prevent chocolate chips from sinking by coating them lightly in flour before folding into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the cheesecake.
  • Create a perfectly smooth surface by gently tapping the pan on the counter after pouring the batter to release any air bubbles and eliminate potential cracks.
  • Achieve a crack-free cheesecake by using room temperature ingredients and allowing a slow, gradual cooling process in the oven with the door slightly open, which helps prevent sudden temperature changes.
  • Customize the recipe by experimenting with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate, or adding nuts like chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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