Ceremonial Grade Cacao Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons ceremonial grade cacao powder

For the filling:

• 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons ceremonial grade cacao powder

For the topping (optional):

• Whipped cream or chocolate shavings

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ceremonial grade cacao powder until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and ceremonial grade cacao powder until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
• Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
• Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour to cool gradually.
• Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.



Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or chocolate shavings on top, if desired. Enjoy your delicious ceremonial cacao cheesecake!