How to Make an Italian Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake
How to Make an Italian Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake
If you're looking to impress your friends and family with a decadent dessert, an Italian Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake is the perfect choice. This rich, creamy cheesecake combines the delightful flavors of hazelnuts and chocolate, creating a dessert that is simply irresistible. Follow this guide to make your own cheesecake from scratch.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Italian cheesecake, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups of crushed chocolate cookies
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- For the filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of Nutella or similar hazelnut chocolate spread
- ½ cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of finely chopped hazelnuts
- For the topping:
- Chocolate ganache (optional)
- Chopped hazelnuts
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookies, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until everything is well-combined and resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and mix until combined. Then add the vanilla extract.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the Nutella until everything is uniformly mixed. Finally, fold in the sour cream and finely chopped hazelnuts, ensuring not to over-mix.
3. Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for about 1 hour to cool gradually. This helps to prevent cracking.
4. Chill the Cheesecake
Once cooled, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for another hour. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Prepare the Ganache (Optional)
To make the chocolate ganache, heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over 8 oz of chopped semisweet chocolate and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
6. Serve
Before serving, you can drizzle the ganache over the cheesecake for added richness. Sprinkle with extra chopped hazelnuts on top for decoration. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade Italian Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake!
Conclusion
This Italian Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake is a luxurious dessert that reflects the richness of Italian cuisine. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat at home, it’s sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy every delightful bite!