Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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24 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 cup non-alcoholic Irish cream substitute (see below)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Substitute:
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½ cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
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1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ teaspoon instant coffee granules
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¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
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Prepare the Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Substitute:
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In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, and vanilla extract.
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Stir continuously until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
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Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
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Prepare the Crust:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a medium bowl, mix together the chocolate cookie crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
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Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
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Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
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Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Add the granulated sugar and mix until well combined.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until incorporated.
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Stir in the cooled non-alcoholic Irish cream substitute and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
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Assemble and Bake:
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Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
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Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
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Place the pan in a larger baking dish and add hot water to the larger dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set and the top appears firm.
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Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to cool gradually.
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Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream to a simmer.
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Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
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Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate.
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Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy.
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Add the Ganache and Chill:
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Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake, spreading it evenly over the top.
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Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
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Serve:
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Once fully chilled and set, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
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Slice and serve chilled.
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