Blanche’s Late Night Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
January 6, 2026
A rich, marbled chocolate cheesecake made for late-night gossip and chocolate-fueled conversations.
Blanche’s Late Night Chocolate Chip Cheesecake feels like it belongs on the kitchen table in Miami, long after dinner, when the coffee is on, the gossip is flowing, and no one is counting slices. Inspired by Blanche’s bold personality and her love of cheesecake, this dessert leans into rich chocolate flavor with a marbled swirl and plenty of chocolate chips tucked inside. It is the kind of cheesecake made for staying up too late, laughing too hard, and reaching for just one more bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate cheesecake with a creamy, smooth texture
- A marbled swirl that looks impressive without extra effort
- Mini chocolate chips in every bite for classic chocolate chip cheesecake flavor
- Made with a pre-made chocolate crust to keep things simple
- Perfect for late-night desserts, weekend treats, or special occasions
- A fun Golden Girls–inspired cheesecake that feels playful and nostalgic
- Easy to make ahead and chill for stress-free serving
- Chocolate-forward without being heavy or overly sweet
Ingredient Notes
- Chocolate pie crust: A store-bought chocolate crust keeps this recipe simple while adding extra chocolate flavor.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the smoothest, creamiest texture. Make sure it is fully softened.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the chocolate.
- Eggs: Room-temperature eggs blend more evenly into the batter.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and helps the cheesecake bake up creamy without a water bath.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips: Mini chips distribute more evenly so every slice gets chocolate in each bite.
- Melted semi-sweet chocolate: Creates the marbled swirl and deeper chocolate flavor. Let it cool slightly before mixing.
- Chocolate syrup and candy garnish: Optional, but add a fun, finished look that fits the late-night vibe.
Quick Prep Notes
Do the ingredients need to be at room temperature?
Yes. Softened cream cheese and room-temperature eggs help the batter blend smoothly and prevent lumps.
Should the melted chocolate be hot when mixing it in?
No. Let it cool slightly so it incorporates evenly without affecting the texture of the cheesecake.
Do I need to use a water bath?
No. This cheesecake is designed to bake creamy without a water bath, keeping the process simple.
Blanche’s Late Night Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Ingredients
Cheesecake
- 1 pre-made chocolate pie crust
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
Toppings
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
- Chocolate candies for garnish, Dove-style pieces work beautifully
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and place the pie crust on a baking sheet.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between two bowls. In one bowl, fold in the mini chocolate chips. In the other, stir in the melted chocolate until smooth.
- Pour half of the plain batter into the crust. Spoon dollops of the chocolate batter over the top, then add the remaining plain batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled look.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the center is set with a slight jiggle. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup and finish with chocolate candies around the edge.
FAQ
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The edges should be set while the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools and chills.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes. This cheesecake is best after chilling and can be made a day in advance.
Why did my cheesecake crack on top?
Cracks usually happen from overbaking or overmixing. The texture will still be delicious, and the toppings cover imperfections easily.
How long does the cheesecake need to chill before serving?
At least 4 hours, but overnight chilling gives the best texture and cleanest slices.
Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Sprinkle of Fun
Serve this cheesecake during a full Golden Girls marathon. Cut generous slices, grab a fork straight from the fridge, and let it be the dessert you enjoy while rewatching your favorite episodes.
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