Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake 

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Hazelnut Crust

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
• In a food processor, combine the toasted hazelnuts, graham cracker crumbs, and sugar. Pulse until the hazelnuts are finely ground.
• Add the melted butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure to pack it down tightly and evenly to form a solid crust. You can also press it up the sides slightly if you like a more substantial crust.
• Bake the crust for about 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Filling

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the Nutella and beat until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and velvety.
• Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar, and beat again until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix to prevent incorporating too much air into the filling.
• Finally, mix in the heavy cream for added richness and smoothness.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

• Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled hazelnut crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake the cheesecake for 55-65 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. It’s okay if the center is still a little soft—it will firm up as it cools.
• Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
• After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before transferring it to the refrigerator.
• Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow it to fully set.

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping

• While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (but not boil).
• Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the chocolate.
• Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. If you want an extra glossy finish, add butter and stir until melted and combined.
• Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled cheesecake.

5. Assemble the Cheesecake

• Once the cheesecake has fully chilled and set, pour the ganache over the top, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
• For added texture and elegance, sprinkle the top with chopped hazelnuts, chocolate curls, or fresh berries.
• Let the ganache set for a few minutes, then carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.

6. Slice and Serve

• Slice the cheesecake with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat slices.
• Serve the cheesecake chilled, and watch as your guests fall in love with this rich, indulgent treat.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake

• Toast Your Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts before grinding them for the crust brings out their rich, nutty flavor. Simply toast them in a dry skillet or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, then let them cool before grinding.
• Avoid Overmixing: When making the cheesecake filling, be careful not to overmix the ingredients, especially after adding the eggs. Overmixing can lead to cracks in the finished cheesecake.
• Cool Slowly: Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open helps prevent cracks. It also helps maintain that smooth, creamy texture.
• Chill Overnight: For the best results, chill the cheesecake overnight. This ensures that the filling is fully set and gives the flavors more time to meld together.
• Top It Your Way: While the hazelnut ganache topping is perfect on its own, feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding some fresh raspberries, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flair.

Why You’ll Love Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate, and the nutty crunch of hazelnuts is absolutely divine.
• Elegant Presentation: This cheesecake looks as impressive as it tastes, making it the perfect centerpiece for special occasions, dinner parties, or holidays.
• Decadent but Not Overly Sweet: The balance of flavors in this cheesecake is perfect—not too sweet, just the right amount of indulgence.
• Perfect for Chocolate Lovers: If you’re a fan of chocolate, Nutella, or hazelnuts, this dessert will hit all the right notes and then some.

Conclusion

The Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake is an indulgent, show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnuts with the creamy, luxurious texture of cheesecake. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

So gather your ingredients, take your time to craft this delicious dessert, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate in chocolate-hazelnut indulgence!