Mocha Cheesecake

Ingredients

• Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
• Whipped cream (1 cup, for topping)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Semi (sweet chocolate - 4 oz, melted)
• Hot water (2 tablespoons)
• Instant coffee granules (2 tablespoons)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Cream cheese (16 oz (2 blocks), softened)
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted)
• Chocolate sandwich cookies (24 cookies, crushed)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water. Add the coffee mixture, melted chocolate, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
7. Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set.
8. Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
9. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
10. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!