The Boston Cheesecake

Seriously. A dessert with a layer of YELLOW CAKE MIX followed by cheesecake followed by chocolate. It’s like a Boston Kreme from Dunkin Donuts. But even better. So I know you’re glad that I randomly bounced into this blog when my sister’s friend passed along a post which led me to tears which then led me to this recipe which then led our home to very happy dessert moments. AND it’s a “make-ahead” dessert. A prerequisite now in my world of raising a 1 year old.

1 (9 ounce) package yellow cake mix (highly recommend Duncan Hines)
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
3/4 cup sour cream
3 eggs
2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup powdered sugar

1. Grease bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Prepare cake batter as directed on package; pour into prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 25 minutes if using a silver springform pan. (Bake at 300 degrees F for 20 minutes if using a dark nonstick springform pan.) Cool.
2. Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar and 1 tsp. of the vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour over cake layer in pan.
3. Bake at 325 degrees F for 40 to 45 minutes or until center is almost set if using a silver springform pan. (Bake at 300 degrees F for 40 to 45 minutes or until center is almost set if using a dark nonstick springform pan.) Run knife or metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim of pan or leave it on if you want the chocolate to stay on top of the cake and not drizzle down the sides.
4. Place chocolate, milk and butter in medium microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add powdered sugar and remaining 1 tsp. vanilla; mix well. Pour over cooled cheesecake. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Remove ring before serving if you haven’t already.