Decadent Italian Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Decadent Italian Chocolate Chip Cheesecake.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to create a beautifully baked cheesecake. In a large mixing bowl, crack open the eggs and beat them until they’re fluffy. Next, add in the granulated sugar, imitation vanilla flavoring, anise extract, and if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in the grated lime and lemon zest for a zesty kick. Mix in the ricotta cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a luscious base for your cheesecake. Now, let’s add some fun! In a plastic bag, toss the semisweet chocolate chips with the flour to coat them evenly. This little trick helps keep the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the cheesecake. Gently fold the chocolate chip mixture into the ricotta batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout. Grab your prepared graham cracker crusts and place them on baking sheets for easy handling. Divide the rich batter evenly among the crusts, filling them generously. It’s time to bake! Slide the cheesecakes into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 30 minutes. After that, give them a gentle rotation of 90 degrees to ensure even baking, and continue baking until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, which should take an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Once baked to perfection, allow the cheesecakes to cool to room temperature. Patience is key here! After they’ve cooled, pop them into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to chill completely. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cheesecake texture. When you’re ready to serve, slice into this decadent dessert and watch as your guests delight in every creamy, chocolatey bite!