If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a decadent showstopper, Hot Chocolate Cheesecake is about to become your new cold-weather tradition. Imagine a silky cocoa-rich cheesecake filling nestled on a deep Oreo cookie crust, finished with clouds of vanilla whipped cream and a generous tumble of marshmallows. This dessert is pure comfort, perfect for anyone who believes that hot chocolate is more than just a winter beverage—it’s a celebration. Whether you’re serving it at a festive dinner or cozying up for a special night in, this Hot Chocolate Cheesecake hits every nostalgic note and then some.

Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hot Chocolate Cheesecake recipe keeps things beautifully simple, but every ingredient plays a vital role in creating layers of creamy, chocolatey magic. Gather these essentials for the ultimate dessert experience—each one brings out a texture, hue, or flavor that sets this cheesecake apart.

Oreo cookies: Provide a crisp, chocolatey foundation that pairs perfectly with the cheesecake filling.
Unsalted butter: Binds the crust together and adds richness to every bite.
Cream cheese (Philadelphia preferred): The heart of the cheesecake, delivering that ultra-smooth, tangy base.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling while balancing the deep cocoa flavors.
Sweetened and unsweetened cocoa powder: This duo delivers robust chocolate notes—you get lush sweetness and a touch of bitter depth.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the cheesecake extra moist.
Heavy cream: Contributes a melt-in-your-mouth texture and that signature hot chocolate richness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavors and brings a cozy aroma to the filling and whipped topping.
Large eggs: These give structure, ensuring a luscious, sliceable cheesecake.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping without adding grittiness.
Mini marshmallows: The crowning touch—because what’s hot chocolate without that gooey, pillowy finish?

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

Step 1: Build the Oreo Crust

Start by pulsing your Oreo cookies into fine, sandy crumbs in a food processor. Mix those with melted unsalted butter until every crumb looks glossy—this will help your Hot Chocolate Cheesecake base stay firm and slice beautifully. Press the mixture firmly into your pan, using the bottom of a glass to get into the edges and up the sides, then pop it in the fridge to set while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prep for the Water Bath

Before you mix the cheesecake, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and set a kettle on to boil. The gentle, moist heat from a water bath helps deliver a creamy texture without unsightly cracks—this is the secret to picture-perfect Hot Chocolate Cheesecake!

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

Beat the room-temperature cream cheese on medium-low until smooth and creamy, then gradually add your sugar so it dissolves evenly. Sift both sweetened and unsweetened cocoa powders over the bowl—that way, you avoid lumps and get a luxuriously chocolatey result. Add the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything’s blended. Finally, beat in the eggs one by one on low speed—this keeps the batter silky and discourages air bubbles, so your Hot Chocolate Cheesecake bakes up dense and dreamy.

Step 4: Bake in a Water Bath

Pour the creamy filling over your chilled crust, smoothing the top. Place a roasting pan filled with hot water on the bottom oven rack, then set your springform pan on the rack above. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes until the edges look set but the middle wobbles slightly when you shake the pan—this gentle jiggle means you’ll have a perfectly creamy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake. Let it cool in the turned-off oven with the door cracked, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to unlock that dense, fudge-like texture.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

When you’re ready to serve, whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and a little vanilla until stiff peaks form—light and cloud-like but stable enough to hold their shape. Spread this over the chilled cheesecake, then add the final flourish: a shower of mini marshmallows, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a scattering of chocolate shavings.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

Garnishes

The classic combination is a generous swath of whipped cream topped with a mound of mini marshmallows—like a mug of the coziest hot chocolate in dessert form. For a little extra drama, try a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or a light dusting of cocoa powder just before serving. These finishing touches make each slice look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Hot Chocolate Cheesecake with fresh berries (think raspberries or sliced strawberries) for a pop of tartness, or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream to keep the indulgence going. If you’re pouring a beverage, strong espresso or a steaming mug of coffee cuts the richness beautifully—perfect for a winter dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Make dessert an event by serving slices with tiny mugs of hot chocolate on the side, or transform your Hot Chocolate Cheesecake into individual mini cheesecakes using cupcake liners. For celebrations, try decorating the top with piped whipped cream rosettes and alternating patterns of marshmallows and chocolate curls—you’ll have a cake that looks straight out of a fancy bakery but tastes homemade in all the best ways.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Thanks to its creamy, rich texture, Hot Chocolate Cheesecake holds up well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just cover it tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen and meld over time, so you might find it even more irresistible on day two!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead for a special occasion, this cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap as whole or in slices with plastic wrap and foil, then store it flat in your freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and hold off on adding the whipped cream and marshmallows until you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

Reheating

While Hot Chocolate Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, if you’re craving a slightly warmer slice, let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. This way, the flavors bloom and the texture softens just the right amount—think silky, not melted!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While Oreos give a classic hot chocolate vibe, you can try chocolate graham crackers or even chocolate wafer cookies for a different but equally delicious base. Just be sure to keep the ratio of crumbs to melted butter about the same for best results.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Bake your Hot Chocolate Cheesecake in a water bath, use room-temperature ingredients, and avoid over-mixing the batter after adding the eggs. Letting the cake cool gradually in the turned-off oven also helps it set up creamily without cracks.

Is it possible to make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust and double-check all other ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free. The cheesecake filling itself doesn’t contain flour, so you’re all set once you change the crust!

Can I make this ahead for a party?

That’s one of the best parts: Hot Chocolate Cheesecake loves being made ahead! Chill it overnight, and just whip up the topping right before your guests arrive. It will slice beautifully and look fresh as can be.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer or food processor?

No worries! You can crush the cookies in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin and use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk for the batter. Just be patient—you want everything super-smooth, so take your time!

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and tastes like childhood memories in every bite, give this Hot Chocolate Cheesecake a try. It’s showy enough for celebrations but simple enough to make just because, and there’s something magical about transforming a favorite drink into a sliceable, special treat. Happy baking and even happier indulging!