Ganache-Covered Cheesecake

Ganache-Covered Cheesecake

Did you know that my spell check never knows what “ganache” is? I get the little red line underneath every single dang time.

Neither, apparently, does closed captioning. I’m one of those weird people who likes to read my TV, so I always have the closed captioning turned on. In the movie Chocolat (one of my all-time favorites, by the way), one of the characters tells another to prepare the ganache. Instead of that word, closed captioning came up with “knish,” which is a pastry similar to an empanada. And as I type this, the word “ganache” keeps getting underlined in red, while the “knish” remains untouched by spell check. Go figure.

At least spell check knows what cheesecake is, and boy, is this ever a good one. It’s got an Oreo crust and a thick layer of ganache on top, and it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. Or just, you know, for a Monday. You decide!

Ganache-Covered Cheesecake

I’ve been thinking a lot about mothers this weekend. A few days ago, my favorite advice column (Ask Caroyln, she rocks!) ran a letter from a woman whose mother died when she was young, and she wanted to know how anyone goes about dealing with the fact that a mother will never be there to answer some of life’s basic questions about, well, anything.

Carolyn basically said that there is no dealing with it: you just have to soldier on and do your best and live with the loss. That answer really made me wonder about what my life would be like if I hadn’t been able to run some serious questions by my own mother, whom I talk to nearly every day. We live near one another, and she knows almost as much about my life as I do. What if I didn’t have that?

Ganache-Covered Cheesecake

A few years ago, I was in my office talking to a colleague who was complaining about her mother. All of a sudden, another teacher walked by and said, “My mother has been dead for 15 years. I would give anything to have one more conversation with her.”

At the time, I was too startled to do much but watch my colleague apologize and awkwardly get up and go about her day. I thought about it a lot afterward, though, and I remember thinking a few things. I didn’t think that embarrassing someone who was doing what most people do was necessary, but I also felt for the woman who would give anything to be able to complain about her own mother with such a cavalier attitude.

Ganache-Covered Cheesecake

I have no conclusions here, but I do stop from time to time and think about how good it is that I can call my mother when I want to to tell her things, and how life would feel without that. While we should all ideally spend every moment of our interactions with loved ones being grateful, it’s not a realistic expectation. Still, as long as we remember how lucky we are, that’s the most important thing.

As long as we’re busy being grateful, can we take a moment for cheesecake? Great. Thanks!

Ganache-Covered Cheesecake

This one is already in my all-time favorites category. It’s that irresistible layer of ganache on top coupled with the Oreo crust. There’s nothing on this cheesecake that I have a hope of resisting.

While people like to think that cheesecake baking is tough, it’s actually pretty simple. Even this one. The ganache comes together very quickly, too, and has the added benefit of covering any potential cracks on the cheesecake’s surface.

Ganache-Covered Cheesecake

Let’s spend time being grateful, when we remember it. Everything is fleeting, from that slice of cheesecake on your plate to the people who surround us with love. Savor everything!

 

Ganache-Covered Cheesecake

Ingredients

Crust
1 package Oreos, crushed in a food processor or in a bag with a rolling pin
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake
3 packages (24 oz.) low-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 cup fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
Ganache
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Oreos and melted butter until the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides.
  3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes,
  4. While the crust is baking, beat the cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until creamy. Add the yogurt and vanilla and beat again. Finally, add the eggs and beat until just incorporated.
  5. Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 50 minutes. Do not open the oven door while baking.
  6. When the cheesecake is done, turn the oven off and crack the oven door. When the oven has cooled, remove the cheesecake and let it cool completely.
  7. Once the cheesecake is cooled, make the ganache. Heat the heavy cream and chocolate chips in the microwave for one minute. Stir until smooth.
  8. Pour the ganache over the cake. Do not remove the sides of the springform pan.
  9. Chill the cheesecake overnight.
  10. Cut into wedges. Store chilled.
http://justaboutbaked.com/ganache-covered-cheesecake/

Mir

I fulfill many roles in life: wife, mother, teacher, everlasting learner. This site is dedicated to one role that expresses my creativity in ways that I find consistently challenging and rewarding: baker. Inventing new ways to enhance food, especially if that food involves chocolate or peanut butter (or both!), is a passion of mine. I look forward to sharing my ideas with you.

This Post Has 38 Comments

  1. Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss

    Mir, you sure know how to tell a story. My best friend lost her mother almost exactly 7 years ago and I can tell it has been hard on her–but she was surrounded by so many good women that she knew she could always come to. On a brighter note, this cheesecake looks marvelous! My cousin made a cheesecake on Thanksgiving that was covered in cracks and I was in charge of making an impromptu ganache that was a total hit. Keep the chocolate recipes coming!!
    Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss recently posted…21 Day Fix Final Week and ResultsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Jessica! I always think about my friends in that situation too.

  2. Jasline (Foodie Baker)

    I totally agree with you that we should always be grateful! Though I’m far away from home right now, I’m glad that my mom is only one phone call away, thank God for technology! Your cheesecake looks absolutely delicious and I never knew the dictionary didn’t know what ganache in!
    Jasline (Foodie Baker) recently posted…Chinese Gluten-Free Peanut Cookies [Chinese New Year Goodie]My Profile

    1. Mir

      Technology is the best! Makes us miss people so much less. I love Face Time!

  3. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg

    This cheesecake looks delicious. 🙂
    Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Lemon Blackberry ThumbprintsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Erin!

  4. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

    I’ve noticed that about spelling ganache, too! Drives me nuts. There are a few words like that and it always makes me second guess myself when I type them. This cheesecake looks amazing, Mir! Ganache is pretty much the best chocolate ever, so I’m loving this decadent combo. Perfect for a Monday!
    Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Banana Kiwi Green Smoothie BowlMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Gayle! I hate spell check, but I guess it’s useful every now and then.

  5. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy

    Yes! We should always be grateful!
    I am literally drooling over my screen for this. I LOVE ganache (my computer doesn’t recognise it as a word either), but every time I try and make something with it, I just end up eating it out of the bowl., Oooops.

    1. Mir

      Ha! That’s not a bad problem to have, Dannii!

  6. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    Mir, I loved this post! I am very close with my mother as well. . but she lives in Texas. . I would love for us to be in the same city together. . so I love and appreciate how close you and your mother are and that you cherish your relationship. I’ve had a handful of close friends lose their moms at an early age and it’s so terrible. . and then I start thinking . . what if something happened to me, or my husband, and then, what would happen to my kids? Anyway, I’ll stop before I get emotional. . thank you for this sweet and special post. . I’m all for spending time being grateful. . and I have to watch Chocolat! I’ve never seen it! LOVE this cheesecake!
    Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Healthy Breakfast SmoothiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I know. I lie awake at night sometimes thinking about what would happen if things started to unravel, and it’s terrifying. Having a healthy family is its own miracle!

  7. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

    Losing a parent isn’t easy, and your advice columnist gave the best possible advice.. because there is nothing to do other than soldier on. And I feel for your co-worker. Not that long ago someone said to me, “I wish my father lived in a different country…” they clearly had no clue I lost my father a few years ago. All I said back was I’d do anything to have my father LIVE anywhere on this earth. People can be stupid, and take loved ones for granted. It’s a shame really. Anyways… too emotionally deep for a Monday. lol. sorry for the overshare! LOVE this cheesecake, Mir!! I KNOW Boy will be all over this one! His love for oreos and ganache run DEEEEEEP so this pretty much has his name all over it! Guess I know what I will be making for my hunny on V-day! Cheers, doll! <3
    P.s. is auto correct good for anything?!
    Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Ginger Chicken Meatballs in Miso Broth {with Bok Choy}My Profile

    1. Mir

      Wow, that must’ve hurt. I think you handled it really well, Chey. People just by nature forget to appreciate what they have. I wish we were wired differently!

  8. Jen | Baked by an Introvert

    Cheese = love! Ganache over cheesecake = marry me! I could live the rest of my life in bliss with ganache-covered cheesecake by my side. This looks incredible, Mir!
    Jen | Baked by an Introvert recently posted…Homemade Whipped CreamMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Jen! If my life were filled with cheesecake I would always be happy!

  9. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks

    That’s good advice, Mir. I remember when I was about 12 I was complaining to my mom that I didn’t feel like calling my grandmother. My mom told me that a day would come that I wish I could just pick up the phone and talk to my gram and it would be too late. She was right. Dang! Now I’m crying. On to cheesecake! This looks delicious and ganache (which just got underlined in red) is an awesome and delicious way to cover up those imperfections!
    Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Coconut Milk Breakfast Smoothies – Two WaysMy Profile

    1. Mir

      No, don’t cry! Your mom just had really good advice. I still pick up the phone to call my grandmother sometimes and then I remember I can’t. It’s amazing how that habit doesn’t go away!

  10. Manali @ CookWithManali

    My mom is my everything, she is thousands miles away from me in India but I talk to her everyday on skype and phone! I am so glad to have her in my life! I love this cheesecake Mir and I agree cheesecakes are actually the easiest to bake. You just have to mix everything together and bake, can’t get easier. Pinned this!
    Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Rava IdliMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Isn’t Skype just the best? Seriously, we are so lucky to have that. I’m glad you two are close!

  11. annie@ciaochowbambina

    This is a wonderful post Mir, with an important message. Thank you for inspiring sweet thoughts about moms, grandmoms, motherhood, sisterhood, all the hoods. And this cheesecake – forget about it! I’ve never made one but it’s about time I try. Thanks, dear!
    annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice CreamMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Every now and then I’ve gotta get serious with the deep thoughts, Annie! 😉

  12. Megan - The Emotional Baker

    I rely on my mom’s advice all the time – I don’t know what I’d do without her! Thanks for reminding me to appreciate her every day! I’m sure she’d tell me to eat this cheesecake 😉
    Megan – The Emotional Baker recently posted…Brownies with Red Hot Cinnamon FrostingMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I hope she would, because that’s good motherly advice!

  13. Kate @ Framed Cooks

    I am so blessed to have my mother in my life – she has taught me more than I could ever say. I lost my dad a couple of months ago, and missing him has reminded me how important it is to cherish every single second. Beautiful post, Mir (and beautiful cheesecake too!)
    Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Brie Monte Cristo SandwichMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I’m sorry about your dad, Kate. I’m glad you cherish it all!

  14. David @ Spiced

    Excellent advice, Mir! My mother lives way down South, so I don’t get to see her that often. And whenever I do, I always end up rolling my eyes at things she says. But I totally shouldn’t do that. Thanks for the post. But let’s talk about this cheesecake and how I want to eat the whole darned thing, mmkay? 🙂 (Also, mmkay is underlined by red. Haha! So is haha.)
    David @ Spiced recently posted…Blueberry Coconut Banana BreadMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Kids naturally roll their eyes at their parents. Don’t feel bad. I want to eat it all too, so don’t feel bad about that either!

  15. Mommy

    Awww. You are so sweet. Thank you! Love, Mommy

    1. Mir

      Love you too.

  16. Amanda

    I could definitely eat this cheesecake on a Monday or any other day. That layer of ganache looks thick and fantastic. All I’d need is a big mug of coffee and that would be nirvana!
    Amanda recently posted…Tropical GranolaMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Oh man, I want to be doing that instead of sitting here at work feeling tired and sick!

  17. Danielle

    This is such a sweet post, Mir. One of my friend’s lost her mom several years ago and it definitely makes me realize how lucky I am to still have my mom to call when I need her. And chocolate ganache on top of cheesecake?! Such a good idea and it sounds incredible too!
    Danielle recently posted…Chocolate Covered Strawberry CupcakesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Danielle! It’s easy to forget the good things we have, isn’t it?

  18. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust

    Mine can’t spell brownie. WTH?? This cheesecake, OMG. That ganache is the BEST!
    Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Oreo Truffle Dipped StrawberriesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Seriously? But brownie is the most important word in the English language!

  19. Michele @ Alwayzbakin

    Holy Schnikes! I really wish I had a piece of this cheesecake right now. I don’t think I make cheesecake nearly enough. This is the perfect decadent Valentine’s Day dessert if you ask me. I feel for people who don’t have their moms to talk to anymore. Two of my close friends both lost their mothers at a young age. I thank God every day that I still have my mom. Sweet post.
    Michele @ Alwayzbakin recently posted…Valentine Slice and Bake Sugar CookiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Michele! My mom only comments when I write nice things about here, so this was motivation. 🙂

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