This isn’t just a cake; it’s a chocolate lover’s dream layered into a pie dish. It earns its “Triple Chocolate” title through three distinct elements: a crunchy chocolate crust, a cloud-like chocolate whipped mousse topping, and a shower of rich chocolate shavings.
The texture is the star here—starting with the crunch of the base, moving to the dense, tangy richness of the cheesecake layer, and finishing with the airy, sweet cocoa cream. It’s an impressive dessert that looks like it came from a bakery but is surprisingly easy to assemble at home.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Crust (Layer 1):
- 1 cup Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: (Use crushed Oreos or chocolate graham crackers to ensure the “Triple Chocolate” flavor profile).
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter: Melted.
For the Cheesecake Filling (Layer 2):
- 2 cups (16 oz) Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature. Crucial for a smooth texture.
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar: Sifted to remove lumps.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: To enhance the creaminess.
For the Chocolate Mousse Topping (Layer 3):
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream: Very cold.
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that deep chocolate flavor.
- 1–2 tbsp Powdered Sugar: (Optional, if you prefer a sweeter mousse).
For the Garnish:
- Chocolate Shavings: Dark or milk chocolate curled with a vegetable peeler.
- Chocolate Truffles: For a luxurious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan. Use the bottom of a glass to pack it down tight.
Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Do not add the filling while the crust is hot, or it will melt.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add the 1 cup of powdered sugar and the vanilla extract.
Continue beating on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and no lumps remain.
Pour this white creamy layer over the cooled crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
3. The First Chill
Place the pie dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This layer needs to be firm before you add the topping.
4. Make the Chocolate Mousse Topping
Once the cheesecake layer is set, remove the bowl from the fridge.
In a separate clean, cold bowl, pour in the heavy cream and the cocoa powder.
Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip into butter.
Gently spread this chocolate whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake layer.
5. Final Chill and Garnish
Arrange the chocolate shavings generously over the whipped cream.
Place chocolate truffles in the center or around the rim for decoration.
Return the cake to the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures clean slices.
6. Serve
Slice with a sharp knife (wipe the knife between cuts for clean layers). Serve chilled.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature (so it blends smooth) but your heavy cream is ice cold (so it whips up fluffy).
- The “Mousse” Texture: For an even airier topping, you can fold a little melted (and cooled) chocolate into the whipped cream instead of cocoa powder.
- Serving Note: The original draft mentioned serving “hot”—do not do this! This is a cheesecake/mousse dessert. If you heat it, it will melt into a puddle. Keep it cold!
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for up to 3 days.
Pairings
- Wine: A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or a sweet Ruby Port pairs beautifully with dark chocolate.
- Fruit: Serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side; the tartness cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and chocolate.
- Drink: A hot Espresso is the perfect contrast to the cold, sweet mousse.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (crust only)
- Chill Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: ~3.5 hours
- Servings: 8–10 slices
- Cuisine: American / Dessert
