Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Whipped cream, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until fully combined and press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate chips and cream. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the cream cheese mixture.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set. Allow to cool before serving with whipped cream.

Interesting Facts

• Cheesecake is one of the oldest known desserts, dating back to ancient Greece
• Chocolate was added to cheesecake recipes in the late 19th century
• Chocolate cheesecake is a popular flavor worldwide