Basic CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE - How to make CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE Recipe

The thickest layer of this spectacular CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE is made with fresh cream cheese, melted chocolate, pure vanilla extract, sugar and eggs....poured over a layer of cinnamon graham cracker crust and baked for 1 hour. Click on "Show more" below for recipe...

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. for dark nonstick 9-inch springform pan. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. if using silver 9-inch springform pan.

Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crust

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups graham crackers , finely ground (about 12 full-size graham crackers
• 4-6 Tablespoons butter, melted

Mix together all three ingredients. Press into 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.

BASIC CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE FILLING:

• 6 ounces chocolate, melted
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 3 packages (8 oz. each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened

1. In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla with electric mixer, medium speed, until well blended.
2. Add melted chocolate. Continue to mix until well combine.
3. Beat in 1 egg at a time, on low speed, until just blended.
4. Pour over graham cracker crust.
5. Bake 55 minutes to 1 hour or until center is almost set. Run plastic knife around rim of pan to loosen cake...cool cheesecake before removing rim from springform pan...about 4 hours. Cheesecake maybe stored in airtight container in refrigerate overnight before slicing.

TIPS: Use a knife, dipped in very hot water and dried, before slicing cheesecake. Cut through cheesecake easily.