Ingredients and Weight:
- Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup
- Sugar, 1/4 cup
- Butter, melted, 1/4 cup
- Cheesecake Layer:
- Cream cheese, softened, 32 ounces
- Sugar, 1-1/2 cups
- Eggs, large, 4
- Sour cream, 16 ounces
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons
- Chocolate Ganache:
- Heavy cream, 1 cup
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 12 ounces
- Candy Decorations:
- Candy corn, Halloween sprinkles, or your preferred candy
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
60 minutes
Cooking Difficulty Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract. Pour over the prepared crust.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 60 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool completely.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Let stand for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake and spread to cover. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Decorate: Before serving, sprinkle with candy corn, Halloween sprinkles, or any desired candy decorations.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (1/8 of cheesecake):
* Calories: 560
* Fat: 30g
* Saturated Fat: 18g
* Cholesterol: 140mg
* Sodium: 350mg
* Carbohydrates: 60g
* Sugar: 50g
* Protein: 10g
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and creamy cheesecake
- Decadent chocolate ganache topping
- Festive Halloween appearance
User Comments:
- "This cheesecake is the perfect Halloween treat! It's so delicious and festive."
- "The chocolate ganache is a great touch. It adds a richness that complements the cheesecake perfectly."
- "I love the idea of using candy corn to decorate. It makes the cheesecake so fun and festive."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure that the cheesecake is completely cooled before adding the ganache. Otherwise, the ganache may melt and slide off.
- If you don't have a springform pan, you can bake the cheesecake in a regular 9-inch pan. Just be sure to line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Feel free to get creative with the candy decorations. You can use any type of candy that you like.
