Recipe: Chocolate Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Chocolate Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Crust:
One 9-ounce package chocolate wafer cookies
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Filling:
1/4 cup brewed Caf Cr me Br l e (room temperature)
3 8-ounce packages cream cheese (room temperature)
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tablespoon Caf Cr me Br l e
6 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup whipping cream

Make the crust:

1.Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Grind cookies in food processor. Add butter and process using on/off turns until crumbs are moist. Press crumbs on bottom and 1-1/2 inches up sides of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2-3/4 inch-high sides. Wrap outside of pan with aluminum foil.

Make the filling:

1.Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add the sugar and continue beating until mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in brewed Caf Cr me Br l e, butter and ground Caf Cr me Br l e.

Assemble and bake the cheesecake:

1.Combine chocolate and cream in heavy saucepan. Stir over low heat until chocolate melts. Pour half of cheese filling (about 2 1/2 cups) into prepared crust. Drop 5 tablespoons of melted chocolate mixture by tablespoons around edge of filling, spacing evenly. Use a small sharp knife to swirl chocolates into the filling. Carefully pour the remaining cheese filling over. Drop remaining chocolate mixture by tablespoons into the center 6 inches of filling, spacing evenly. Swirl mixtures together using the tip of the knife.

2.Bake the cheesecake until edges are puffed and beginning to crack and top is golden brown, about 40 minutes (center will not be set).

3.Cool on rack. Chill overnight. (Can be prepared 3 days ahead.)

4.Run a small sharp knife around the edge of the pan to loosen cheesecake. Release pan sides. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to platter and serve.