1-First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place Gather all your ingredients and tools first to make the process smooth. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a springform pan with non-stick spray. This step sets you up for success by ensuring everything is at hand.

2-Second Step: Making the Crust Pulse whole chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until you have 2 cups of crumbs. Add 6 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then pulse again to combine. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of your prepared pan.

3-Third Step: Baking the Crust Bake the crust in your preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool on a wire rack. This creates a sturdy base that won’t get soggy under the filling.

4-Fourth Step: Preparing the Filling In a large bowl, beat 24 ounces of softened cream cheese until it’s smooth, which takes at least 5 minutes. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons flour, mixing until just combined. Then, stir in 1/4 cup cooled espresso, scraping the bowl as needed to ensure even distribution.

5-Fifth Step: Adding More to the Filling Pour in 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then beat for 1-2 minutes until creamy. Scrape the bowl again to avoid any lumps. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is incorporated to keep the texture light.

6-Sixth Step: Assembling and Baking Pour the filling into the cooled crust and gently tap the pan 10-15 times on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200°F and continue baking for 55-60 minutes until the center jiggles slightly and the sides are set.

7-Seventh Step: Cooling the Cheesecake Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 30 minutes, then crack the oven door and let it cool for another 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven, cool completely on a wire rack, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to set fully.

8-Eighth Step: Adding the Ganache Topping For the ganache, heat 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream until it boils, then pour it over 4 ounces of roughly chopped bittersweet chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, whisk until smooth, and spread over the chilled cheesecake.

9-Ninth Step: Optional Frosting and Finishing Touches If you want frosting, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 4 tablespoons softened butter until fluffy. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 3/4 to 1 cup powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then pipe it around the edges. Top with chocolate shavings and espresso beans before serving for a polished look.