Tasty Tuesday: Frosted Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

I'm a cheesecake lover and let me just tell you that this is one of my top two favorite cheesecakes- the other being a Godiva chocolate one that a local coffee shop sometimes has.

I first had this Frosted Chocolate Chip Cheesecake at a church potluck. I had a slice and was instantly smitten and had to track down the lady who made it and get the recipe. Since then I have made it often for special occasions.

I'm not going to try to say that this is a frugal recipe or that it is one bit healthy. It's cheesecake for goodness sake! But let me tell you that it is so worth the splurge! And if you're worried you can't do a cheesecake, this is a perfect one to try because if it cracks and looks funny no one will notice with that frosting on top. :)

Frosted Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

2 c. chocolate wafer crumbs
6 tbsp. butter, melted
3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 c. (6 oz.) miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 milk chocolate candy bar (4 oz.), chopped (can use less)
2 c. whipped topping (can use less)
1/4 c. sliced almonds, toasted (optional)

In a bowl, combine wafer crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 1/2 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Chill for 15 min. or until set.

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into crust.

Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 55-60 min. or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 min. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.

For frosting, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt candy bar; stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature. Gradually stir in the whipped topping. Remove sides of springform pan. Frost top of cheesecake; garnish with almonds if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Yield: 12 servings

For other recipe ideas, check out Balancing Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday, Blessed with Grace's Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, 33 Shades of Green's Tasty Tuesday, Mandy's Recipe Box's Totally Tasty Tuesdays and All the Small Stuff's Tuesdays At the Table.