Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

If the words Hot Chocolate Cheesecake make your heart flutter a little, trust me—you’re in the right place. As someone who believes dessert should feel like a warm hug after a long day, this recipe brings together two winter favorites: that nostalgic mug of hot cocoa and the creamy indulgence of homemade cheesecake.

Whether you’re juggling work, wrangling kids, or just trying to get dinner on the table without losing your sanity (we’ve all been there), this cheesecake is your new secret weapon. It looks impressive, tastes heavenly, and—surprise!—is much easier than you think.

So grab your favorite spatula and let’s turn your kitchen into a cozy, chocolate-scented dream.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

• It wraps everything you adore about a cozy mug of hot cocoa into one ultra-creamy, sliceable dessert that feels like a warm winter hug.
• The Oreo crust adds a rich, chocolatey crunch that balances the silky filling perfectly, giving you the best bite every single time.
• It’s impressive enough for holidays and celebrations, yet simple enough for a laid-back weekend baking session.
• This cheesecake can be made ahead, making your life easier when you’re juggling busy schedules, guests, or last-minute plans.
• The hot chocolate flavor shines through beautifully thanks to both cocoa powder and hot cocoa mix, creating a nostalgic, comforting dessert that never disappoints.
• The whipped cream topping adds a light, dreamy finish that pairs wonderfully with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes.
• Even beginners can master it—clear steps, everyday ingredients, and a little kitchen magic make this recipe feel surprisingly doable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Oreo Crust

• 3 cups Oreos, fine crumb
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix (two packets)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature

Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional toppings: mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes (highly recommended if you love a little sparkle!)

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

Step 1: Make the Oreo Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Prep your 9-inch springform pan with baking spray, place a parchment circle on the bottom, and spray again.

Grab your food processor and blend the Oreos until you get a fine crumb—think chocolate sand. Mix those crumbs with melted butter until everything looks moistened and delicious.

Press the mixture into the pan, going halfway up the sides. Use a measuring cup to press the bottom firmly. Bake the crust for 11 minutes and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

In your mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides—your spatula is your best friend here.

Add in:

• Hot cocoa mix
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla

Mix on medium until everything is smooth, creamy, and smelling like your favorite winter drink.

Now add the eggs on low speed, one at a time, mixing only until combined. Over-mixing can add too much air, which may cause cracking later. (We love drama, but not in our cheesecake!)

Pour this dreamy batter over the baked crust.

Step 3: Bake in a Water Bath

Yes, a water bath sounds fancy, but it’s actually super simple—and it keeps your cheesecake silky smooth.

Choose your method:

Method 1 (Super Safe):
Place the springform pan inside a 10-inch cake pan, then set the cake pan into a roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the cake pan.

Method 2 (Classic Foil Wrap):
Wrap the springform pan tightly in foil (twice!). Place in a roasting pan and fill with hot water halfway up the sides.

Bake for 75–85 minutes, until the edges are set and the center gently jiggles like pudding.

Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake relax (yes, she deserves it!) for 30 minutes. Then move it to a cooling rack until completely cool.

Cover and chill for 6 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Make Fluffy Whipped Cream

Using a cold metal bowl and whisk attachment, beat:

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla

Mix on high until medium peaks form—soft, fluffy, cloudlike goodness.

Top your chilled cheesecake with whipped cream, and decorate as your heart desires.

Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

• Room-temperature ingredients make everything smoother. Cold cream cheese equals lumps, and nobody has time for that.
• Worried about a cracked top? Don’t stress. Whipped cream covers everything.
• If your crust crumbles, it’s okay! A rustic cheesecake is still cheesecake—and still amazing.
• Chill time is key. Letting your cheesecake rest overnight deepens the flavor and improves the texture.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

Back when my kids were little and winter nights felt endless, I used to make hot chocolate as a quick way to bring everyone together. One snowy afternoon, my daughter asked, “Mom, why can’t cheesecake taste like hot cocoa?” Challenge accepted.

And that moment turned into this very recipe—a family favorite ever since. It’s amazing how one cozy idea can become a tradition.

FAQs About Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

Bringing It All Together

Desserts should feel special but not stressful—and this Hot Chocolate Cheesecake delivers that cozy, heartwarming experience every single time. With its creamy filling, hot cocoa flavor, and cloud-like topping, it’s the perfect dessert for holidays, birthdays, or those “I just need something sweet tonight” moments.

So go on—grab those Oreos and make a little magic in your kitchen. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.

More Delicious Treats You’ll Love

If this Hot Chocolate Cheesecake made your heart (and taste buds!) happy, I’ve got a few more cozy favorites you’ll want to try next. These recipes bring the same festive joy, chocolatey comfort, and holiday sparkle—all perfect for family gatherings, winter nights in, or when you just need something sweet right now.

• If you’re in the mood for something adorable and bite-sized, these Mini Christmas Cheesecakes are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re cute, creamy, and dangerously easy to snack on.
• Craving a fun treat you can whip up with the kids? Try these Christmas Pretzel Rods—sweet, salty, festive, and perfect for gifting (or, let’s be honest, keeping for yourself).
• Want a holiday dessert that requires zero oven time? These No Bake Christmas Cheesecake Bites bring all the creamy goodness without the fuss.
• And if you’re dreaming of something whimsical and show-stopping, this Gingerbread Yule Log Cake will absolutely steal the spotlight on your dessert table.

Feel free to explore any (or all!) of these next—your kitchen is about to get even more magical.

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