Serves 12 Ingredients:
  • Crust:
  •   1/3 cup unsalted butter
  •   2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
  •   1 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
  •   1/3 cup sugar
  • Filling:
  •   9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
  •   11 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  •   2/3 cup sugar
  •   6 eggs, at room temperature
  •   4 teaspoons. vanilla
  •   1/3 cup whipping cream
  • Topping:
  •   Chocolate shavings, optional
  • Fresh raspberries, optional
Directions: CRUST: Preheat oven to 350°. Melt butter and chocolate over water in a double boiler. Stir until smooth. Mix in bread crumbs and sugar. Press mixture into bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake until firm, about 8 minutes. FILLING: Preheat oven to 375°. Melt chocolate in double boiler over simmering water. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Beat cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Blend in vanilla, chocolate and cream. Pour into crust. Bake until outside edges are firm and lightly brown but center is still soft when pan is shaken, about 30 to 35 minutes. Refrigerate until well chilled. TOPPING: Beat whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. TO SERVE: Remove cake from pan and set on platter. Spread whipped cream evenly over top. Dust with cocoa powder (use a sifter) and top with raspberries if desired.