Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 32 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 7 oz Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, melted and cooled
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3.5 oz Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream for ganache
  • 1.55 oz Hershey's bar for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with three layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to ensure it is waterproof.
  2. Combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  3. In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar on medium speed until completely smooth and aerated, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  4. Lower the mixer speed and pour in the melted Hershey's chocolate and sifted cocoa powder. Mix until fully incorporated and no white streaks remain.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until the yellow disappears to avoid over-incorporating air.
  6. Gently whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until the batter is silky.
  7. Pour the batter over the crust. Place the springform pan into a large roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
  8. Bake for 75 minutes or until the edges are firm but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cake cool inside the oven for 1 hour.
  9. Remove from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  10. To make the ganache, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until simmering and pour over 3.5 oz chopped Hershey's chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, stir until glossy, and pour over the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with chocolate shavings.