Decadent No-Bake Chocolate Walnut Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 100 g cookies (digestive or graham crackers)
- 70 g ghee butter (melted)
- 40 g walnuts (finely chopped)
For the Filling:
- 200 g cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup nut milk (almond or cashew milk preferred)
- 1/3 cup condensed milk
- 300 ml cream (33% fat, chilled)
- 40 g walnuts (coarsely chopped)
For the Topping:
- 100 g dark chocolate (chopped)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup condensed milk
- 40 g walnuts (for garnish)
How to Make Decadent No-Bake Chocolate Walnut Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Crush the Cookies: Place the cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, melted ghee butter, and finely chopped walnuts. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the Base: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to compact the base.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Mix the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Nut Milk and Condensed Milk: Gradually add the nut milk and condensed milk to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the chilled cream until soft peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Add the chopped walnuts and mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Assemble: Pour the filling over the prepared base and spread it evenly with a spatula. Return to the refrigerator to chill.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
- Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Make the Chocolate Mixture: Combine the melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and condensed milk in a bowl. Mix until smooth and glossy.
- Spread the Topping: Pour the chocolate mixture over the chilled cheesecake filling and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the chocolate topping for decoration and added crunch.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Unmold: Run a knife along the edges of the springform pan before releasing the sides.
- Serve: Slice with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat slices. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesecake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Chill the Cream: Ensure the cream is well-chilled before whipping to achieve the desired consistency.
- Compact the Base: Press the cookie mixture firmly into the pan to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold the whipped cream into the filling to maintain its airy texture.
- Customize the Nuts: Replace walnuts with pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds for a different flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg