Chocolate Guinness Cheesecake Recipe

How to Make Chocolate Guinness Cheesecake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Liberally butter a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the base in heavy-duty foil.
2. Bring a kettle of water to a boil.
3. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, ¼ cup (½ stick) melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix until well moistened.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Use a glass or measuring cup to ensure an even crust.
5. In a large bowl, beat 3 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth.
6. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, then add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
7. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¼ cup heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
8. Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
9. Stir in 1 cup sour cream, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup Guinness stout, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth.
10. Pour the batter over the prepared crust.
11. Place the springform pan into a larger, deep baking dish. Place on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
12. Carefully pour boiling water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan (water bath).
13. Bake for 45 minutes.
14. Turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar for an additional 45 minutes.
15. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
16. Run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan.
17. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
18. Melt 2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl.
19. Create chocolate clovers by dropping 3 small drops of melted chocolate close together on waxed paper. Use a toothpick to drag from the center to create a clover shape.
20. Chill the chocolate clovers until hardened.
21. Decorate the chilled cheesecake with chocolate clovers.