RICH CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CHEESECAKE

Rich Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake image

As if cheesecake wasn't enough of an indulgence, this version also features irresistible chocolate mousse. It's a delightful, do-ahead dessert for special occasions. -Julie Dunsworth, Oviedo, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 2h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 26

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1/3 cup butter, melted
CHEESECAKE LAYER:
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sour cream
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 teaspoons coffee liqueur
MOUSSE AND TOPPING LAYERS:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
4 large egg yolks
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/3 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon light rum
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
GARNISH:
5 ounces dark chocolate candy coating, chopped
5 ounces white candy coating, chopped

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, sugar, cocoa and butter; press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., For cheesecake: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Add the sour cream, vanilla and coffee liqueur; beat just until combined. Pour over crust. Place pan on a baking sheet. , Bake for 30-35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate until completely cooled., For mousse and topping: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water; let stand for 1 minute or until softened. In a small saucepan, combine the egg yolks, milk, sugar and coffee granules. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture reaches 160° or is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon., Remove from the heat; whisk in gelatin until dissolved. Stir in the chocolate, rum and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until chocolate is melted. Pour into a small bowl. Set the bowl in a larger bowl of ice water; stir occasionally until thickened., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and remaining vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. Fold half of cream into mousse mixture; spread over cheesecake. Top with remaining cream. Cover and refrigerate overnight., For chocolate curl garnish: In a microwave, melt dark chocolate candy coating; stir until smooth. Spread a thin layer over baking sheet and drag a fork through chocolate. Let stand at room temperature until set., Repeat with white candy coating; carefully spread over dark candy coating. Let stand at room temperature just until set. Holding a dough scraper or sturdy metal spatula at a 45° angle, scrape over the top of the chocolate to form striped curls. Decorate cake with curls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 677 calories, Fat 47g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 218mg cholesterol, Sodium 230mg sodium, Carbohydrate 57g carbohydrate (48g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.