Description
These Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting are a decadent and delightful dessert combining a rich chocolate cookie crust, creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, and a fluffy whipped ganache topping. Perfectly portioned for individual servings, these cupcakes offer a smooth and indulgent flavor that’s ideal for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
Whipped Ganache Frosting
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and place cupcake liners into a 12-cup muffin tin, ensuring each cup is ready for the crust mixture.
- Make the Cheesecake Base: In a bowl, combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with the melted butter. Mix them until well combined to form a moist crumb mixture.
- Form the Crust: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cookie and butter mixture into each cupcake liner. Press it firmly down to create an even, compact crust at the bottom.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Additional Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, mixing until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in Melted Chocolate: Slowly fold in the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips until the filling is uniformly chocolatey and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Place the muffin tin in the oven.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly, indicating a perfectly creamy texture.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating them for at least 2 hours to set properly.
- Make the Whipped Ganache Frosting: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl.
- Let Ganache Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Cool Ganache: Let the ganache cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until it slightly thickens and is cooler for whipping.
- Whip Frosting: Using a hand mixer, whip the chilled ganache until it becomes fluffy and light in texture, perfect for frosting.
- Frost and Serve: Pipe or spread the whipped ganache frosting generously onto the chilled cheesecake cupcakes. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
- Store Leftovers: Serve the cupcakes chilled and refrigerate any leftovers to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Do not overbake the cheesecakes; centers should be slightly jiggly when done.
- The ganache frosting needs to be well chilled before whipping to achieve the ideal fluffy texture.
- Use cupcake liners to easily remove the cupcakes without sticking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
