If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that combines richness, creaminess, and pure chocolate bliss, look no further than these Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting. Each bite is a dreamy mix of fudgy cheesecake nestled atop a cookie crust, crowned with a cloud of velvety ganache. These cupcakes are every bit as decadent as they sound and are perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing what you can create with a handful of straightforward ingredients! Each component plays a crucial role in making these Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting turn out utterly irresistible. Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need and why every item matters.

Chocolate graham crackers or Oreos: These form a chocolatey, crunchy base for the cupcakes, adding structure and flavor right from the bottom up.
Melted butter: Holds the crust together and adds undeniable richness to each bite.
Cream cheese (softened): The heart of any cheesecake, lending creamy texture and classic tangy flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering the chocolate notes.
Large eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecakes set perfectly in their cupcake shapes.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth and depth to the filling.
Sour cream: Makes the filling ultra-smooth and gives it a subtle, balanced tang.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and slightly cooled): Infuse the cheesecakes with that rich, chocolatey goodness.
Pinch of salt: Rounds out the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
Heavy cream: The foundation of the whipped ganache frosting—turns chocolate into a billowy, airy topping.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache): Melt into the cream for a smooth, sumptuous frosting.

How to Make Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. Combine the crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter until evenly coated. Press about a tablespoon of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to create the perfect chocolate crust for your cupcakes. This is your delicious foundation—don’t skip the press-down, it marks the start of something magical!

Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until it’s ultra-smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and keep beating until well integrated. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition—this ensures a silky texture. Finally, blend in the vanilla extract, sour cream, melted chocolate, and a pinch of salt. Your batter should be glossy, rich, and completely irresistible at this stage.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly among the liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Baking for 18 to 22 minutes keeps the centers just set, with a slight wobble that guarantees creaminess without being undercooked. Let them cool in the pan to room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for at least two hours. The chill time transforms the texture into that signature dense-yet-soft cheesecake bite.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Ganache Frosting

While the cupcakes chill, it’s time to make the star topping for your Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s just beginning to simmer. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, wait 2–3 minutes, then stir until velvety and smooth. Chill the ganache until it’s slightly firm but still soft—about an hour—then whip it with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. This frosting truly takes the dessert to the next level!

Step 5: Frost and Finish

Once the cupcakes are fully chilled, pipe or generously spread the whipped ganache over the tops. If you want that bakery-fancy look, use a piping bag and your favorite tip. For an extra flourish, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or crushed cookies. Stand back and admire—you’ve just made Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting that look as beautiful as they taste.

How to Serve Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting

Garnishes

For that extra visual and flavor pop, adorn each cupcake with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. Crushed cookies or mini chocolate chips sprinkled over the ganache add a playful crunch and a touch of sparkle. These little touches make each cupcake feel like a special treat.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting with fresh berries or a zingy fruit salad offers a light, refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. If you want to keep it all decadent, serve alongside espresso or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly memorable dessert course. The combination will make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Creative Ways to Present

Think party trays with cupcakes displayed on tiered stands, nestled in pretty paper liners, or grouped on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering. For a fancier affair, serve each cupcake in a glass parfait dish with a swirl of extra ganache and a few fresh raspberries. However you present them, these beauties are sure to steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting keep extremely well! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll remain delicious and fresh for up to five days. Their flavors even deepen a bit as they sit, making them a make-ahead dream.

Freezing

You can freeze the cupcakes (unfrosted or frosted) for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then wrap each cupcake securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed for these gems! If they’ve been in the freezer, let them defrost gently in the refrigerator (not at room temperature) to keep the texture perfect. If you enjoy them slightly chilled, serve straight from the fridge; they’re just as dreamy as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! Semi-sweet chocolate gives a balanced flavor, but dark chocolate creates an even richer frosting, while milk chocolate offers extra sweetness. Just keep in mind that different chocolates may set at slightly different consistencies when chilled and whipped.

How do I know when the cheesecakes are baked perfectly?

Look for centers that are set but still have a faint jiggle when you gently shake the pan—the edges should be slightly puffed. Overbaking can lead to cracks or a dry texture, so trust your instincts and your eyes!

Can I make Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this dessert is even better when made in advance. You can make and chill the cupcakes a day ahead, then frost just before serving for the freshest texture and appearance.

What’s the best way to get smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter?

The secret is to beat your cream cheese until perfectly smooth before you add the sugar and eggs. Always make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this makes blending easy and lump-free!

Can I turn this recipe into a full-sized cheesecake?

With a few adjustments, definitely! Instead of dividing the batter into cupcake liners, press the crust into a springform pan, pour in the filling, and bake a bit longer, checking for that famous cheesecake jiggle in the center. The whipped ganache frosting is just as glorious on a larger cake.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing quite like these Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting to impress a crowd or spoil yourself with a little slice of happiness. Go ahead—whip up a batch, savor every luscious bite, and share them with someone who needs a little chocolate joy in their day!

Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with a dreamy Whipped Ganache Frosting. A perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake in a convenient cupcake form!

Ingredients

Scale

For the cupcakes:

1 cup crushed chocolate graham crackers or Oreos (about 10 cookies)
2 tablespoons melted butter
16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and slightly cooled)
pinch of salt

For the whipped ganache frosting:

1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Prepare the crust: Mix crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter and press into the bottom of each liner.
Make the cupcake batter: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, melted chocolate, and salt until smooth. Fill liners and bake until set.
Chill: Cool cupcakes to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Prepare the ganache frosting: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth, chill until slightly firm. Whip and frost cupcakes.