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Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Mocha Cheesecake. Crazy Cooking Challenge

When I received the email on this month's Crazy Cooking Challenge I was a bit excited and a lot intimidated.  See, I've never baked a cheesecake before.  Oh, sure, I've plopped a brick of cream cheese in a bowl with some instant pudding and some Cool Whip, but never actually baked one.  In fact, I don't even own a spring-form pan.

So, as you can see, this month's cooking challenge, was just that....a challenge.  I searched the internet.  Google, Pinterest, Facebook, anywhere I could think to look for a great cheesecake recipe.

I always find some of the best recipes on About.com, and sure enough, that's where I found this gem.   The only problem?  It's Monday and the challenge goes live on Tuesday!  I sure hope this works.






Mocha Cheesecake

Ingredients

1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust (2 extra servings)
24 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup heavy cream
6 oz semi-sweet baker's chocolate
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup strong-brewed coffee

Directions

Melt chocolate and set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Beat in the heavy cream.
Pour the chocolate slowly into the cheese, and add the coffee and vanilla.  Stir well until blended.
Pour the batter into the crust and bake at 350˚ for 45 minutes or until the sides of the pie are puffed slightly.  Cool, with the oven door cracked, then cool to room temperature. Chill before serving. Store in refrigerator.




And, there ya have it.  My very first baked cheesecake. Ever.  And you were witness to it.  I hope you try it out too; it was very good.  I thought, after I had the chocolate all mixed, this would be great as a marbled cheesecake as well.  I think I just might have to try that too.

If you can't get enough cheesecake, check out some of the other great cheesecake recipes.  I know they will be happy to have you. :) 


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25 comments:

  1. Dana, your cheesecake turned out perfect! Good for you not worrying about a springform pan. This recipe sounds delicious, can't wait to give it a try.

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    1. Thanks, Joan! I was a bit (a lot) intimidated at first. Hope you and your family likes it! :)

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  2. Nothing beats chocolate and coffee! :) Looks delicious

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    1. I agree! It made the 9 year old feel grown up since he was getting to eat mocha! LOL! Thanks for stopping by and the nice words.

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  3. This cheesecake looks amazing--so fluffy and delicious! Great CCC pick! I'm #16. :)

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    1. Thanks, Melissa. I was pleasantly surprised. lol. Great stuff. Sad to see CCC go.

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  4. Your cheesecake looks absolutely perfect !!
    Mukta from ccc# 57

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  5. Oh.my.gosh Dana! This sounds wonderful - it has my favorites coffee + chocolate! Must try. Thanks for stopping by (#35).

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    1. Thanks! One of the main reasons I tried it. I figured I couldn't go wrong with that combo!

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  6. Congratulations on your 1st baked cheesecake :) It looks fabulous, Dana! Chocolate and coffee are such a great combo. Pinning this to try!

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  7. LOL! We're in the same boat. This was my first venture into the cheesecake world too! Great job! #55

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  8. Oh, my gosh, what an amazing first cheesecake! It looks creamy and delish! I adore mocha :) #48

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    1. Thank you. It was creamy..and RICH! lol. A sliver will suffice.

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  9. Dana
    Mocha and cheesecake are two of my favorites! This cheesecake sounds rich and chocolaty delicious.

    I made a Rolo Cheesecake.

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  10. I'm really drooling right now!

    Jen #73

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  11. Congrats on your first baked cheesecake, you did an awesome job and it looks wonderful.

    If you haven't already, I'd love for you to check out my CCC entry: #6 Mini Cheesecake Bites.

    Lisa~~
    Cook Lisa Cook

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  12. I didn't have a springform pan either; had to go buy one for this challenge! Great minds think alike with the mocha! Great choice.

    #4

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  13. I love the creamy, light look your cheesecake has. What a beautiful cheesecake!
    CCC #22

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  14. Thank you for being a part of the CRAZY COOKING CHALLENGE. Watch for upcoming details about the next years challenge.

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  15. Your cheesecake looks incredible!!

    Stopping by from CCC #64 - Individual Biscoff Cheesecakes

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