Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake

Although making this recipe is pretty simple, you’ll need to prepare this dessert about five hours before serving in order to allow it to chill properly, but it’s without question worth the wait!

10 ounces chocolate cookie wafers

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

8 tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

3 8-ounce packages real cream cheese, softened

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, sifted

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup sour cream; plain Greek yogurt is another option

7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted

Cocoa powder for dusting

Pulse cookie crumbs and granulated sugar in food processor until fine. Place in a large bowl and toss with melted butter until moistened. Firmly press into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan including the sides, 1 1/2-inches up.

Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until light and creamy, about 1 minute, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Reduce speed to low and mix in vanilla, sour cream, and melted chocolate until smooth.

Spoon mixture into crust and smooth top. Chill until set, about 4 hours.

Dust with cocoa powder and let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature before serving. Right before serving, garnish with mint leaves and raspberries or top with shaved white chocolate.