Name: Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-489744H13M22S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs; 4 tbsp melted butter; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ¾ cup sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted; 3 eggs; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Whipped cream; Mini marshmallows

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 38 reviews

If you adore the cozy warmth of a steaming cup of cocoa on a chilly evening, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe. Imagine the luscious, velvety texture of cheesecake fused with deep, rich chocolate flavors that mimic your favorite winter drink, crowned with fluffy whipped cream and those irresistible little mini marshmallows. This dessert is the ultimate indulgence that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a luxurious night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. There are two brown eggs and one white egg placed around three small white bowls. One bowl holds dark brown granulated sugar, another has light brown cinnamon powder, and the last contains white coarse salt. At the center is a block of cream-colored cream cheese on a white square plate. A small brown bottle with a dropper is placed next to the plate. A small dish with three light brown eggshells and a white rectangular dish with a block of yellow butter are also visible. A small black measuring cup filled with cream is placed near the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating this Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe is delightfully straightforward with simple, quality ingredients that harmonize perfectly. Each component plays a crucial role — from the chocolate cookie crust providing a decadent but sturdy base, to the creamy filling that balances sweetness with chocolaty depth, culminating in a topping that adds lightness and charm.

Chocolate cookie crumbs: These form the rich, chocolaty crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth cheesecake.
Melted butter: Helps bind the crust together while adding a buttery richness.
Cream cheese: The star ingredient for that silky, creamy cheesecake base; softened for easy blending.
Sugar: Balances the cocoa bitterness and sweetens every bite just right.
Cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and a subtle earthiness.
Semi-sweet chocolate, melted: Adds intense, molten chocolate richness to the filling.
Eggs: Provide structure, ensuring the cheesecake is firm but creamy.
Sour cream: Gives a slight tang and enhances the velvety texture.
Vanilla extract: Lifts the chocolate notes with a warm, fragrant hint.
Whipped cream and mini marshmallows: The whimsical finishing touches that replicate your favorite hot cocoa toppings.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325 °F (165 °C) so it’s ready when your batter is mixed. Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until the texture resembles damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer that will bake into a crisp and flavorful base.

Step 2: Make the filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with sugar and cocoa powder until the mixture is perfectly smooth and lump-free. Then gradually add the melted semi-sweet chocolate, eggs one at a time, the sour cream, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix gently but thoroughly. This batter will be incredibly rich and silky, promising that classic cheesecake mouthfeel with an irresistible chocolate twist.

Step 3: Bake the cheesecake

Pour your luscious filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for around 50 to 55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble — this ensures a creamy texture once cooled. Once baked, let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow it to set perfectly.

Step 4: Add toppings and serve

Before serving, generously top your cheesecake with fluffy whipped cream and scatter mini marshmallows on top. These add a delightful lightness to the dense chocolate flavors, and they mimic the cozy experience of sipping hot chocolate with all the fixings.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a chocolate cake slice with three visible layers. The bottom and top layers are dark brown, moist chocolate cake with a crumbly texture. Between them is a thick, white creamy layer with dark chocolate specks visible inside it. The sides of the cake are covered with smooth, rich chocolate frosting that flows slightly down the edges. There are several chocolate chips placed near the bottom right side of the slice, resting on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While whipped cream and mini marshmallows are classic, consider sprinkling a dusting of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate for extra decadence. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can create a beautiful glossy finish and add a little more flavor complexity. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint also bring a lovely pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the intense chocolate richness. A warm mug of coffee or a cup of spiced chai also complements the dessert beautifully, enhancing the cozy winter vibe. Fresh fruit like strawberries or tart cherries can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve individual cheesecake slices in clear dessert cups layered with extra whipped cream and marshmallows. Or, create a “hot chocolate bar” dessert table featuring this cheesecake as the star alongside other cocoa-inspired treats, letting guests customize their servings with different toppings and sauces. It’s a guaranteed showstopper that sparks nostalgia and delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your cheesecake, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cheesecake will keep beautifully for up to 5 days, retaining its creamy texture and fresh flavor — perfect for savoring a slice each day.

Freezing

You can freeze this Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe to enjoy on a later occasion. Wrap it securely in several layers of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Cheesecake is generally best served chilled, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, allow the slice to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture grainy or cause the marshmallow topping to melt undesirably.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While chocolate cookie crumbs provide the perfect chocolatey base, you can experiment with graham crackers, Oreos, or even ginger snaps to give your crust a unique flavor twist. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.

Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese first?

Yes, softening the cream cheese is key to avoiding lumps and achieving a silky cheesecake batter. Leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing makes the process smoother and the texture creamier.

Can I make this cheesecake dairy-free or vegan?

This classic recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients, but you can substitute with plant-based cream cheese, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate alternatives. Keep in mind the texture may vary, but it can still be delicious with some experimentation!

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The ideal cheesecake will have set edges and a gently jiggly center when you give the pan a little shake. Overbaking can cause cracking or dryness, so it’s best to err on the side of a slightly underbaked center that firms up as it chills.

Can I add espresso powder for a mocha twist?

Yes! Adding one teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling mixture enhances the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee kick, creating a delightful mocha variation of this Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe is truly a show-stopping dessert that brings all the comfort and joy of your favorite winter drink in a slice of cake. Its rich, creamy texture enhanced with decadent chocolate and topped with playful marshmallows will quickly become your new favorite indulgence — I promise it will warm hearts and satisfy sweet cravings every time. Give it a try and watch your friends and family fall in love at first bite!