Prepare the crust: Crush the Oreos until you get a fine, sand-like texture. I like using a food processor for a quick and even consistency, but if you don’t have one, place the cookies in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
19 Oreo cookies
Mix and press: In a bowl, combine the crushed Oreos with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Transfer this mixture to an 8-inch cake pan, pressing it down firmly to create a smooth, even crust.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Add the jam layer: Spread a generous layer of your favorite jam on top of the crust.
¾ cup tart jam
Prepare the biscuit layer: Crush the biscuit cookies into roughly ½-inch pieces. Unlike the Oreos, these should remain slightly chunky to give the ‘’cheesecake’’ layer a nice texture.
1 pound simple butter biscuit cookies or digestive biscuits
Mix the creamy filling: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, vanilla extract, and the crushed biscuit cookies. Stir everything together until well mixed. No need for a super smooth texture—I like to keep it rustic, just the way I’ve been making it for years.
2 ½ cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Layer it up: Gently spread the sour cream mixture over the jam layer. Even it out, but don’t worry about making it look perfect!
Make the chocolate topping: In a small saucepan, heat the half-and-half until it reaches a gentle simmer. Remove from heat, then add the chocolate and stir until fully melted and smooth—almost like making a rich hot chocolate.
2 tablespoons coffee creamer or half and half, ⅓ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or melting chocolate wafers
Finish and chill: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the sour cream layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a little crunch.
2 tablespoons blanched sliced almonds
Chill and serve: Transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and let it set for at least 6 hours (or overnight for best results). Once firm, slice and enjoy!