Hershey’s special dark Chocolate Layered Cheesecake

Portions:12 servings
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Ingredients

  • CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST recipe below
  • 3 packages cream cheese softened (8 oz. each)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips divided (12-oz. pkg.)
  • ½ teaspoon shortening do not use butter, margarine, spreads or oil

Instructions

  • Prepare CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST.
  • Heat oven to 350° F.
  • Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth.
  • Gradually beat in eggs, heavy cream, vanilla and salt, beating until well blended.
  • Set aside 2 tablespoons chocolate chips.
  • Place remaining chips in large microwave-safe bowl.
  • Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1-1/2 minutes; stir.
  • If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted when stirred.
  • Gradually blend 1-1/2 cups cheesecake batter into melted chocolate. Remove 2 cups chocolate mixture; spread in bottom of prepared crust.
  • Blend additional 2 cups cheesecake batter into remaining chocolate mixture; spread 2 cups mixture over first layer in springform pan. Stir remaining cheesecake batter into remaining chocolate mixture; spread over second layer.
  • Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until center is almost set.
  • Remove from oven to wire rack.
  • With knife, immediately loosen cake from side of pan.
  • Cool to room temperature.
  • Place reserved chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl.
  • Microwave at HIGH 30 seconds; stir.
  • If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted and smooth when stirred.
  • Drizzle over top of cheesecake.
  • Cover; refrigerate several hours until cold.
  • Cover; refrigerate leftover cheesecake.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST:
Stir together 1-1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 45 wafers), 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa; stir in 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter or margarine. Press mixture onto bottom and 1-1/2 inches up sides of 9-inch springform pan.
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Course Cake / Cheese / Chocolate