Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that marries the smooth, tangy richness of a cream cheese filling with the bittersweet crunch of chocolate chips. It’s typically set on a crisp digestive biscuit base, giving it that irresistible contrast between creamy and crunchy textures. The cheesecake is baked, which intensifies the flavors and sets the filling to that perfect, sliceable consistency.
What sets Mary Berry’s version apart is the balance-it’s not overly sweet, thanks to her precise measurements and thoughtful use of ingredients. Each bite offers a velvety mouthfeel, punctuated with bursts of chocolate, all resting on a buttery biscuit crust that adds just the right amount of bite.
Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to bring Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake to life. As always, using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference!
For The Base
- 150g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers if you’re in the US)
- 75g unsalted butter, melted
For The Filling
- 600g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature is best for mixing)
- 150g caster sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 150ml soured cream
- 150g dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks, if you prefer pockets of melty chocolate)
Optional Garnish
- Extra chocolate chips or curls for decoration
- A light dusting of cocoa powder or icing sugar
- A dollop of whipped cream on the side
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need in your kitchen to prepare this lovely cheesecake:
- 20cm (8-inch) springform cake tin
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Food processor (or a rolling pin and ziplock bag for crushing biscuits)
- Measuring spoons and kitchen scale
- Baking tray (to set the tin on in the oven, just in case of leaks)
- Cooling rack
Optional: parchment paper for lining the base of the tin, and aluminum foil to wrap around the pan to prevent leaks during baking.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Let’s break this down step-by-step. This process is as enjoyable as the cheesecake itself!
Step 1: Prepare The Base
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan) / 180°C / 350°F / Gas mark 4.
- Crush the biscuits either in a food processor or by sealing them in a ziplock bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until fully coated and resembling wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the base of the springform tin using the back of a spoon or your fingertips.
- Chill the base in the fridge while you prepare the filling, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Make The Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer.
- Add the caster sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next.
- Stir in the soured cream, mixing gently to avoid over-beating.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution throughout the creamy mixture.
Step 3: Assemble And Bake
- Pour the filling over the chilled biscuit base and gently smooth the top.
- Place the cheesecake tin on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. It should be set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Once done, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour-this helps prevent cracks.
- Remove and allow to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 4: Serve And Enjoy
- Carefully release the springform and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.
- Garnish with extra chocolate chips, curls, or a dusting of cocoa if desired.
- Slice with a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean edges.
Tips And Tricks
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling and better mixing.
- Don’t overbeat the filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which leads to cracks.
- Water bath optional: For an ultra-smooth top, wrap the pan in foil and place it in a water bath during baking to regulate the temperature and prevent cracking.
- Let it chill overnight: The flavor and texture develop beautifully with time. Patience is key!
- Customize the chocolate: You can use white, milk, or dark chocolate chips-or even a mix for a flavor twist.
- Add a swirl: A touch of raspberry jam or caramel swirled into the batter before baking adds a delightful surprise.
Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for those who love the rich, creamy satisfaction of a classic cheesecake with the added delight of chocolate. It’s elegant yet comforting, refined but simple to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a dinner party or just because you’re craving something special, this cheesecake never fails to impress.
The beauty of Mary Berry’s recipes lies in their timelessness and reliability. With a little patience and love, this cheesecake could easily become a signature dessert in your home. So grab your apron, heat up that oven, and treat yourself to a slice of pure indulgence-you deserve it.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Mary Berry’s original chocolate chip cheesecake is delightfully creamy with just the right amount of sweetness, speckled generously with chocolate chips, and nestled in a classic digestive biscuit base. But what if you’re in the mood to experiment? The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Here are some delicious twists you can try:
1. Dark Chocolate Decadence
Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks (around 70% cocoa). The richness of dark chocolate adds an intense, almost bitter edge that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cream cheese filling. It’s luxurious, grown-up, and perfect for dinner parties.
2. Salted Caramel Swirl
Before baking, gently swirl in a few tablespoons of salted caramel sauce into the cheesecake mixture. You can even drizzle extra over the top once it’s cooled. The combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy is simply irresistible.
3. Oreo Crust Remix
Ditch the traditional digestive biscuit base and go for a crushed Oreo crust instead. This gives a chocolaty crunch and complements the chocolate chips in the filling. Add a touch of melted butter to help it bind and press it into the base of your tin.
4. Raspberry Ripple Surprise
Add a tart berry contrast to the rich filling by spooning raspberry puree into the batter and swirling it through with a skewer. It adds visual appeal and a fruity brightness that cuts through the richness.
5. Nutty Bliss
Add a handful of toasted pecans or chopped hazelnuts to the cheesecake mixture or sprinkle them over the top before baking. They add crunch and a lovely earthy note that pairs especially well with chocolate.
6. Mini Cheesecake Bites
Want to make it more shareable? Pour the mixture into muffin tins lined with paper cases and bake mini cheesecakes. They’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or when you just want a bite of something sweet.
Storing Leftovers
Now, let’s be honest-leftovers of Mary Berry’s chocolate chip cheesecake are a rare phenomenon. But on the off-chance that your self-control is stronger than your sweet tooth, here’s how to keep it fresh and fabulous.
In The Fridge
Cheesecake should always be stored in the fridge, as it contains dairy and eggs. Once cooled to room temperature, wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, though the biscuit base may soften slightly over time.
In The Freezer
Yes, cheesecake freezes beautifully. If you’re prepping in advance or saving leftovers for a rainy day:
- Slice the cheesecake first for easy portioning.
- Wrap each slice in cling film, then in foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw: Simply place a slice in the fridge overnight or for a few hours. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the texture.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake?
A slice of this cheesecake is a dessert in its own right-but if you want to elevate your experience, pairing it with complementary treats or drinks can take things to another level.
Fresh Fruits
- Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries provide a tart contrast to the creamy, sweet filling.
- A handful of pomegranate seeds scattered on top adds crunch and a subtle zing.
Whipped Cream Or Crème Fraîche
Lightly whipped cream brings an airy softness, while crème fraîche offers a tangy sophistication that balances the richness of the cheesecake.
Coffee Or Espresso
The bitterness of a hot espresso cuts through the sweetness of the dessert, creating a refined after-dinner treat. For something more indulgent, try a mocha or affogato (a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream).
Dessert Wine Or Liqueurs
Pair your slice with a glass of:
- Port
- Baileys Irish Cream
-
Frangelico
These pairings add depth and can complement or contrast with the chocolate and cheese flavors beautifully.
Toasted Nuts Or Shaved Chocolate
A sprinkle of toasted almonds or hazelnuts adds crunch, while a dusting of dark chocolate shavings gives an elegant finish. You could even add a drizzle of melted chocolate or warm ganache if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake is more than just a dessert-it’s a canvas for culinary creativity and comfort. Whether you stick to her classic recipe or explore some of the tantalizing variations, it offers a rich, smooth, and utterly satisfying experience every single time.
From clever twists like caramel swirls or nutty layers to the art of storing leftovers without sacrificing texture, and pairing it with just the right drink or garnish, this dessert can evolve from a simple treat into a show-stopping finale to any meal.
So go ahead-grab your springform tin, preheat the oven, and channel your inner Mary. Because when cheesecake and chocolate chips come together, the only real question is: will there be any leftovers at all?
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake?
Mary Berry’s chocolate chip cheesecake requires a few simple ingredients to make a delicious dessert. The main ingredients include digestive biscuits (for the base), butter, cream cheese, double cream, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and of course, chocolate chips. The recipe also typically calls for a little lemon juice to balance the sweetness. You can use either dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference, and make sure to have some extra chocolate to decorate the top of the cheesecake!
How Long Does It Take To Prepare And Bake Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake?
Mary Berry’s chocolate chip cheesecake is a no-bake recipe, so there’s no baking involved. The preparation time is approximately 20-30 minutes, which includes mixing the filling and making the base. Afterward, the cheesecake needs to be chilled in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours, or ideally overnight, to set properly. This allows the cheesecake to firm up and develop its full flavor. So, while the active time is relatively short, the chilling time is essential to get the perfect texture.
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake In Advance?
Yes, you can definitely make Mary Berry’s chocolate chip cheesecake in advance. In fact, it’s encouraged! The cheesecake needs to chill for several hours to fully set, and making it the day before you plan to serve it allows all the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any other smells from your fridge. This makes it an ideal dessert to prepare ahead of time for dinner parties or gatherings.
