Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

If you delight in the taste of chocolate, then this is the cheesecake for you. Every creamy bite melts in your mouth!

Recipe Ingredients:

Crust:
1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted

Filling:
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 1/2-inches up the sides of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°F) for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce heat to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Remove from the heat; add cream and mix well. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add cocoa and beat well. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined. Stir in vanilla and reserved chocolate mixture just until blended. Pour over crust. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until center is almost set.
4. For Topping, melt chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat. Stir in cream and vanilla; mix well. Spread over filling; Refrigerate overnight. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Remove sides of pan. Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 12 servings.