Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 55g all-purpose flour, 65g granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/8 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda until completely combined with no lumps. In a separate bowl, whisk together 30ml canola oil, 57ml milk, a pinch of vanilla extract, and 1 egg white until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two separate batches, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Dissolve a pinch of instant coffee in 55ml boiling water, then stir this coffee mixture into the batter-it will become quite runny, which is exactly what you want for this Cheesecake Factory Oreo cheesecake copycat recipe.
- Prepare your 9-inch springform pan by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray and lining the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. Pour the thin chocolate cake batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to ensure it spreads evenly. Place in your preheated 350°F oven and bake for exactly 13 minutes. The cake should be set but still very moist-it won’t rise much and will remain a thin layer. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan while you prepare the ganache. This foundation is crucial for authentic Oreo cheesecake Factory flavor.
- While the cake layer cools, prepare your chocolate ganache. Chop 4.4 oz milk chocolate and 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate into small, uniform pieces for even melting. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth (alternatively, use a double boiler). In a separate small saucepan or microwave, heat 95ml heavy whipping cream until it just begins to steam but doesn’t boil. Pour the hot cream over the melted chocolate and whisk vigorously until the mixture is silky, glossy, and completely homogeneous. The ganache should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Once your chocolate cake base has cooled to room temperature in the springform pan, pour the prepared chocolate ganache directly over the top. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the ganache evenly across the entire surface, creating a smooth, level layer that reaches the edges. Set the pan aside at room temperature while you prepare the Cheesecake Factory Oreo cheesecake ingredients for the final layer. The ganache will begin to set slightly, creating the perfect foundation for the cheesecake batter.
- Reduce your oven temperature to 325°F. In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz room-temperature cream cheese with 75g granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth, fluffy, and free of lumps-scraping down the sides frequently. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix briefly. Add the 3 room-temperature eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until incorporated (overmixing incorporates too much air, which can cause cracks). Gently fold in 3 tablespoons sour cream and 78ml heavy cream using a rubber spatula until the batter is silky and uniform. The room-temperature ingredients are essential for achieving that signature the Cheesecake Factory Oreo cheesecake texture.
- Separate your Oreo cookies into whole cookies and crushed pieces-you’ll need both. Pour approximately half of the prepared cheesecake batter over the ganache layer in the springform pan, smoothing it gently with a spatula. Arrange a layer of whole Oreo cookies on top of this batter, placing them close together but not overlapping-typically 8-10 cookies fit nicely in a single layer. Carefully pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the whole Oreos, using a gentle hand to avoid disturbing their placement. Top with another layer of Oreos-you can use whole cookies arranged decoratively or coarsely crushed Oreos scattered across the surface for that authentic Cheesecake Factory Oreo cheesecake slice appearance.
- Wrap the bottom and sides of your springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil, creating at least two layers to prevent any water from seeping into the cheesecake during baking. This step is absolutely critical for achieving the creamy texture characteristic of how to make Cheesecake Factory Oreo cheesecake successfully. Place the wrapped springform pan inside a larger round baking pan or roasting pan. Gently tap the springform pan on the counter 2-3 times to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter.
- Carefully place the nested pans on the center rack of your preheated 325°F oven. Using a pitcher or large measuring cup, pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches approximately halfway up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath (bain-marie). This gentle, moist heat environment prevents cracking and ensures even cooking. Bake for 45-50 minutes-the cheesecake is done when the edges are set and puffed slightly while the center still has a subtle jiggle (about a 2-inch diameter circle). The residual heat will continue cooking the center as it cools.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven for 1 hour. This prevents sudden temperature changes that cause cracking. After an hour, carefully remove the cheesecake from the water bath and remove the aluminum foil. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack for another 2-3 hours. Once at room temperature, cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling produces the best texture and makes slicing much cleaner for that perfect Cheesecake Factory Oreo cheesecake copycat presentation.
- When ready to serve your the Cheesecake Factory Oreo cheesecake recipe, run a thin knife around the edge of the springform pan to loosen any spots where the cheesecake may have adhered. Gently release the springform latch and remove the outer ring. For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This professional technique ensures those picture-perfect slices that showcase all three beautiful layers.
Video
Notes
Store your the Cheesecake Factory Oreo cheesecake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they meld together. This cheesecake also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months-wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. No reheating necessary; cheesecake is always served chilled.
