Family Recipe: Luscious Baked Chocolate Cheesecake

My mother in law, Kay, is a wonderful cook.  I didn’t grow up making cheesecakes but have made a few since marrying into the family.  Kay makes amazing cheesecakes, however, her Luscious Chocolate Cheesecake is my favorite!  For those of you who enjoy chocolate and cheesecake this is a recipe you need to try, it’s delicious!  Add a few fresh strawberries to the finished product and you have an awesome dessert ready for when guests arrive or to celebrate a special evening with your family.

Luscious Baked Chocolate Cheesecake:

• 1/3 cup Margarine or Butter, melted
• 1/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 3 – 8 oz packages Cream Cheese
• 1 – 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 – 12 oz package Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, melted OR 8 – 1 oz squares of Semi-Sweet Chocolate melted
• 4 Eggs
• 2 teaspoons of Vanilla

Preheat the oven to 300°.  Combine margarine, crumbs and sugar; pat firmly into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan.  In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.  Add condensed milk and beat until smooth.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Pour into prepared pan.  Bake 1 hour and 5 minutes or until the cheesecake springs back when lightly touched.  Cool to room temperature.  Chill.  Remove the side of the pan.  Garnish as desired.  Garnish Ideas – chocolate curls, syrup, fresh strawberries, white chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream, or anything that compliments the chocolate cheesecake.

Photo by CEThompson