Saint Lucian Chocolate Cheesecake
August is Chocolate Heritage Month in Saint Lucia, the picturesque island in the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. I used to think of Europe when I thought about chocolate until I recently tasted Saint Lucian chocolate. And wow, did my perspective change! Saint Lucian chocolate is scrumptious!
Saint Lucia is the world leader in “chocolate tourism”. Yes, it exists! I know all you chocoholics right now are like, “Say what?!”. With Chocolate Heritage Month going on right now, it’s the perfect time to book an indulgent getaway to Saint Lucia. It’s a little piece of chocolate heaven.
Look at all the ways you can satisfy your chocolate cravings with a trip here:
- Choc-tails: Chocolate infused spa treatments
- Cocoa plantation tours at Mome Coubaril Estate, La Dauphine Estate and Fond Doux Holiday Plantation
- Behind-the-scenes look to see the bean to bar process at Jade Mountain’s Emerald Estate Organic Chocolate and Chocolate Laboratory
- Witness the many stages of chocolate production at Hotel Chocolat
- Enjoy specialty tasting menus
Saint Lucia and chocolate have a long history dating all the way back to the 1700’s. They have a thriving cocoa industry that produces some of the world’s best chocolate. They are home to the Pitons, a mountain range that provides the perfect conditions for chocolate growing.
Saint Lucian Chocolate Cheesecake
In honour of Saint Lucia’s Chocolate Heritage Month, I created the most incredible cheesecake I’ve ever made. I’m completely serious. I was blown away with how perfect it turned out! I’m sure the Saint Lucian chocolate I used played a big role!
It’s pretty straightforward to make. For your base, you’ll need chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter.
I recommend using a 9-inch springform pan. It will make removing the cheesecake effortless and keep it looking gorgeous to serve to your family and friends.
The star of the recipe is all this decadent Saint Lucian chocolate!
The cheesecake layer is made out of melted Saint Lucian chocolate, cream, cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. I had to stop myself from eating it right out of the bowl. It looks so rich and luxurious.
I normally use the dry heat method for cheesecakes versus a water bath. The only thing with dry heat is that your cheesecake will crack. Don’t panic if this happens. The chocolate ganache will hide all the imperfections and no one will ever know.
After your cheesecake has cooled completely, it’s time for the final step: the chocolate ganache. It’s made out of more Saint Lucian chocolate, cream and butter. Pour it over top of your cheesecake and you are ready to serve it to your guests!
I garnished mine with a Saint Lucian chocolate clam. I thought it fit the theme of this culinary destination perfectly.
How does it taste? Mind-blowing, perfect and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s creamy, smooth and rich. One piece and I guarantee you’ll be craving more. I was a bit sad when it was all gone.
I shared with family and friends. In fact, I received a lovely email from my daughter’s boyfriend’s mother that as a cheesecake lover, she has tried many cheesecakes and mine beats them all. I cannot tell you how great that made me feel! It made my day.
I hope you’ll add Saint Lucia to your travel bucket list if you aren’t able to make it this month. I know it now has a top position on mine!
Visit the Saint Lucia Tourist Board’s site and learn more about this amazing travel destination and start planning your next vacation!
You’ll also like this Twix Cheesecake, Black Forest Cheesecake, Strawberry Cheesecake Bars and Caramel Pecan Cheesecake.
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
Saint Lucian Chocolate Cheesecake
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Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Crust
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Cheesecake
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chopped finely
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 packages cream cheese 8oz/250g packages, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate finely chopped
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
Chocolate Cookie Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Add chocolate cookie crumbs and butter to a bowl and mix together. Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 12 minutes. Cool completely.
Chocolate Cheesecake
- Add cream to a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until just simmering and turn off heat. Add in chocolate and let sit for 3 minutes without stirring. After 3 minutes, stir until it fully combined and smooth. Whisk in sour cream and set aside to cool.
- Beat cream cheese on medium speed for about 1 ½ minutes. Add in sugar and beat for another minute on medium. Add in eggs, one at a time, beating in between each addition. Add in salt and vanilla and beat for another 30 seconds. Stir in chocolate mixture until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Pour the cheesecake mixture in the springform pan and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn down the oven temperature to 300°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Gently run a knife blade around the edge of the pan so it will be easier to remove later. Let it cool to room temperature and then place in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours.
Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it gets hot and starts to steam. Turn off the heat and add in the chocolate and butter. Make sure all the chocolate is covered by the cream and gently shake the pan if you need to. Let sit for 3 minutes. Stir gently so you don’t add any air bubbles to the mixture until it’s fully combined. Let it cool for 15 minutes and pour over top of your cheesecake and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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I like the that you can go diving. I love the water ( and chocolate ) thanks for this awesome giveaway!
I learned that Saint Lucia’s chocolate legacy dates back to the 1700’s. Wow, that’s experience!
i learned that there are many events such as a Carnival
Piton Mountains
Like that there’s gorgeous palm-fringed beaches
I learned that St. Lucia has been making chocolate since the 1700’s and that they have miles of unspoiled rainforest.
Great places for diving!
There is so many amazing sights..Rain Forests, Mountain range and fanastic diving!! A tourists dream location!
I learnt that they have miles of unspoiled rainforest
I learned that the culture of Saint Lucia truly depicts the term ‘creole’ as it is a tightly woven collage of cultures from the Amerindian, African, British, French & Indian influences. Explore many tours and attractions that reflect such.
I learned that St. Lucia is home to the Piton Mountains–and they are stunning!!!
Wow, I learned that Saint Lucia started making their chocolate in the 1700’s!
I like Saint Lucia could b the perfect destination!
There are miles and miles of unspoiled rainforest and the majestic Piton Mountains.
like the diving
i learned that saint lucia has been famous for their amazing chocolate since the 1700’s. that is so cool
There are so many thing to do and see there.
I found out a local speciality is Lambi which is conch. It can be made in a Creole-spiced stew at a street stand or a fine-dining creation at a top restaurant.
Looks like awesome place to visit.
I did not know it was a creole culture on the island and you can sign up to learn more about the creole culture and foods