Chocolate-Peppermint Cheesecake

Ingredients and Weight:

• Graham cracker crumbs: 1 cup (120g)
• Unsalted butter, melted: 1/4 cup (50g)
• Sugar: 1/3 cup (65g)
• Cream cheese, softened: 16 ounces (450g)
• Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g)
• Large eggs: 2
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
• Peppermint extract: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (150g)
• Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml)
• Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup (30g)
• Peppermint candies, crushed: 1/4 cup (15g)

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
4. Pour half of the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Top with remaining cheesecake batter.
5. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is set.
6. Allow cheesecake to cool completely.
7. In a medium bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form again. Fold in crushed peppermint candies.
8. Spread peppermint whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Sugar: 45g
• Protein: 12g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy chocolate flavor
• Refreshing peppermint zing
• Smooth and velvety texture
• Perfect for special occasions

User Comments:

• "This cheesecake is absolutely divine! The chocolate and peppermint flavors complement each other perfectly."
• "I love how easy it is to make. Even a novice baker can impress their guests with this dessert."
• "The presentation is stunning. The crushed peppermint candies add a festive touch."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened before beating. This will help prevent lumps.
• Do not overbake the cheesecake. The center should be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before topping it with whipped cream. This will help prevent the whipped cream from melting.