Ingredients:
- 8 oz Digestive Biscuits (or Graham Crackers)
- 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar (for the crust)
- 6 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 32 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened (room temperature)
- 1 ¼ cups Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar), sifted
- 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Heavy Cream (Double Cream), very cold
- 1 cup Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (for filling)
- 2 Tbsp Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Crush the Biscuits: Process the biscuits and granulated sugar in a food processor until fine crumbs form. (Alternatively, crush biscuits in a bag with a rolling pin).
- Bind the Base: Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and pulse/mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Press the Crust: Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides (about 1 inch) of the pan using the bottom of a glass or cup.
- Chill: Place the crust in the freezer for 15 minutes while preparing the filling to help it set hard.
- Whip the Cream: Pour the very cold heavy cream into the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Start on medium speed, gradually increasing to high.
- Form Peaks: Whip until stiff peaks form (the cream should hold its shape when the whisk is lifted). Transfer the whipped cream to a separate bowl and set aside.
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In the mixer bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until it is completely smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides often.
- Add Sweetener: Reduce the speed to low. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined, ensuring there are no lumps of sugar or cheese left.
- Fold the Cream: Gently fold about one-third of the reserved whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream in two additions, using a large spatula. Ensure the mixture remains light and airy.
- Add Chocolate: Gently fold in 1 cup of the mini chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.
- Fill the Pan: Spoon the filling over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with the spatula.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining 2 Tbsp of mini chocolate chips over the surface.
- Chill and Set: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight, for a clean set and easy slicing.
- Release and Serve: When ready to serve, carefully run a thin, hot knife around the edge before unlocking and removing the springform ring. Slice with a sharp, hot knife for clean portions.