Rich, silky and totally decadent, this Midnight Mocha Cheesecake is a chocolate lover’s ultimate dessert. The hint of infused coffee puts it over the top.

Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 1 hour 50 mins
Total time: 2 hours 5 mins

Ingredients

2 cup(s) (from about 8 ounces cookies) gluten-free crispy chocolate cookie crumbs
4 tablespoon(s) butter, melted
2 tablespoon(s) sugar
1 cup(s) sugar
⅛ teaspoon(s) (plus a pinch) salt
8 ounce(s) (60 to 70 percent cacao) bittersweet chocolate, chopped and divided
¼ cup(s) cold strong coffee
1 tablespoon(s) instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
3 package(s) (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup(s) unsweetened cocoa
4 large eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine crumbs, butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon salt; transfer to prepared pan. Press into even layer that comes up side of pan slightly. Place on rimmed baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Cool completely.

2. Meanwhile, in small microwave-safe bowl, microwave 6 ounces chocolate on high in 30-second intervals or until mostly melted, stirring in between; let cool. In small bowl, stir together coffee, espresso powder, and vanilla. With mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream cheese until smooth. Reduce speed to low. Beat in cocoa and remaining 1 cup sugar, scraping down side of bowl occasionally. Beat in coffee mixture. Increase speed to medium. Add eggs one at a time, beating well between additions, scraping down side of bowl occasionally. Beat in melted chocolate just until well mixed. Pour batter into cooled crust. Bake 50 minutes on rimmed baking sheet.

3. Turn oven off and prop door open with wooden spoon. Let cheesecake stand in oven 1 hour. With small icing spatula or knife, loosen side of cheesecake from pan. Refrigerate, uncovered, 2 hours or up to 2 days.

4. When ready to serve, loosen cheesecake once more from side of pan; remove springform ring. In small microwave-safe bowl, microwave remaining 2 ounces chocolate on high 30 second or until just melted, stirring. Drizzle over cheesecake.