Nutella Ganache Covered Cheesecake is a New York style cheesecake recipe that is a dense yet fluffy cheesecake base, covered in a thick layer of Nutella ganache. The ultimate decadent cheesecake experience! Enjoy this cheesecake at your next celebration!
In a food processor or blender, process graham crackers till fine. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also place the crackers in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin. Add butter and sugar, and combine. Pour into pan, pressing down with fingers or measuring cup. Bake in the oven for about 8 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
Raise the oven temperature to 450°F.
Make the Nutella ganache
Make the Chocolate Nutella Ganache according to the instructions linked in the notes section below. Use just enough (about 1/3 cup) to lightly coat the crust. Place in the refrigerator while you make the filling.
Make the filling
In a bowl of an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy. Lower the mixer speed to medium and add the eggs and egg yolks, a couple at a time, scraping down the bowl periodically. Lower the mixer speed to low and add the sour cream, lemon zest and vanilla extract. Pour into the refrigerated crust.
Place the pan on a foil covered baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn down the oven to 225°F and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Turn the oven off and open the oven door. Let the cheesecake sit in the opened oven untouched for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature for three hours. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
The following day
The following day, carefully remove the cheesecake out of the pan: run a wet knife along the edge of the pan then unlatch the sides to remove. Stir the ganache to soften. Carefully and slowly pour the ganache over the cheesecake, starting in the center and allowing the ganache to move outwards and over the edge and sides of the cake, if you wish. Garnish with Ferrero Rocher Chocolates. Return to refrigerator and chill until the ganache is firm before serving.
Notes
You will need a 9-inch spring-form pan.To make the Nutella Ganache, please refer to this simple but perfect recipe from Maris at In Good Taste: Chocolate Nutella Ganache.Cheesecake recipe adapted from Ina Garten's Raspberry Cheesecake, via Food Network.