Passover Chocolate Cheesecake: A Rich, Flourless Dessert
Passover Chocolate Cheesecake is a luxurious flourless dessert designed specifically for the Jewish holiday of Passover. It combines creamy cream cheese with rich chocolate to create a smooth and indulgent filling. The crust is often made with matzo meal, crushed Passover cookies, or ground nuts, ensuring the dessert remains kosher for Passover. Its deep chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the tangy richness of cheesecake. Despite being holiday-compliant, it feels just as decadent as traditional cheesecakes. Served chilled with fresh berries or chocolate drizzle, it is a stunning centerpiece for any Passover meal.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup matzo meal or finely ground almonds
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp melted butter
For the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
- 500 g cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sugar3 large eggs
- 200 g melted dark chocolate
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ cup sour cream
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate ganache
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix matzo meal (or ground almonds), cocoa powder, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
- Stir in melted dark chocolate, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sour cream until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the center is slightly set.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour with the door slightly open.
- Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use kosher-for-Passover chocolate to ensure compliance.
- Ground almonds can replace matzo meal for a richer crust.
- Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing.
- Avoid over-mixing to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- A water bath can help maintain a smooth texture.
- Chill overnight for the best flavor.
- Springform pans make removal easier.
- Garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation