Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, ensuring it’s high enough to cover the edges of the pan. The parchment should come up about 2 inches above the sides of the pan to allow the cheesecake to rise without spilling over.
2. Prepare the Chocolate: Melt your bittersweet chocolate using a microwave in short bursts or by gently heating it on the stove. Set it aside to cool slightly.

Make the Cheesecake Batter

1. Cream the Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well incorporated.
2. Add Cocoa Powder: Sift in the cocoa powder and continue mixing until fully combined. The batter should be smooth with no lumps.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully blended into the cheesecake mixture, giving it a rich, even texture.
4. Add the Cream and Vanilla: Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. The batter should now be smooth, creamy, and slightly thick.
5. Fold in the Chocolate: Slowly add the melted chocolate to the batter, folding it in gently. This step gives the cheesecake its deep chocolate flavor.

Bake the Cheesecake

1. Pour into the Pan: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. The top should be dark and slightly cracked, while the center should still be a little jiggly. This slight jiggle is what makes the cheesecake incredibly creamy once it cools.
3. Cool: Let the cheesecake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Then, transfer it to the fridge for at least 2 hours to set completely.

Serve the Cheesecake

Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, it’s ready to serve! You can either serve it as is or top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for extra flair.