Bittersweet Cheesecake Torte
Recipe from Better Homes and Gardens

The indulgence starts and ends with ganache, a velvety mixture of dark chocolate and cream -- far more luxurious than sugar icings.


Bittersweet Cheesecake Torte

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Servings: 12 to 16 servings
Related Categories: Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Desserts, Tortes
 
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Ingredients
  • 2/3  cup
    whipping cream
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  • 8  ounces
    milk chocolate or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
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  •  
    Nonstick spray for baking
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  • 1  19.5-ounce package
    brownie mix
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  • 2  8-ounce packages
    cream cheese, softened
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  • 1/2  cup
    sugar
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  • 2  teaspoons
    vanilla
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  • 2 
    eggs, lightly beaten
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  • 3  ounces
    milk chocolate or bittersweet chocolate, melted
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  • 3  ounces
    white baking chocolate, melted
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Directions
1.
For ganache: In a small saucepan, heat whipping cream over medium-high heat just until boiling. Remove from heat. Add the 8 ounces milk chocolate (do not stir). Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Cover and chill.
2.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 9x1-1/2-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray for baking; set aside. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake about 25 minutes or until edges are set. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove uncut brownies from pans. Transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely.
3.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Beat in eggs just until combined. Transfer half of the mixture (about 1-1/2 cups) to a medium bowl. To one bowl, add the 3 ounces melted milk chocolate; stir until smooth. To the other bowl, add the melted white chocolate; stir until smooth.
4.
Wrap heavy-duty foil around the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan, making sure foil comes at least 1 inch up the side. Using a sharp knife, trim edges from brownie rounds, making two 8-inch rounds.* Place one of the brownie rounds in the pan. Pour milk chocolate-cream cheese mixture on top. Place the remaining brownie round on the milk chocolate-cream cheese mixture and pour white chocolate-cream cheese mixture on top.
5.
Place the foil-wrapped springform pan in a large roasting pan; pour enough hot water around the springform pan to come halfway up the side. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until cheesecake appears set when gently shaken. Carefully remove springform pan from water.
6.
Cool in springform pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Using a small sharp knife, loosen the edge from the side of the pan; cool for 30 minutes more. Remove the side of the pan; cool completely on wire rack. Cover and chill overnight.
7.
Remove ganache from refrigerator. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until light, fluffy, and of spreading consistency. Spoon whipped ganache into a pastry bag fitted with a medium star or round tip. Pipe stars or mounds to cover the entire top of the chilled cheesecake. Makes 12-16 servings.

Test Kitchen Tip
Before wrapping the springform pan in foil, place the bottom of the pan on each brownie round and use the tip of a sharp knife to trace around the pan bottom. Trim edges. This will assure the brownie rounds fit tightly in the pan.
Nutrition information
Calories 580, Total Fat 36 g, Saturated Fat 16 g, Monounsaturated Fat 10 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 6 g, Cholesterol 126 mg, Sodium 302 mg, Carbohydrate 61 g, Total Sugar 47 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 8 g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 0%, Calcium 6%, Iron 16%. Exchanges: Other Carbohydrate 4, High-Fat Meat 1.5, Fat 5. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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