Discontinued 30th Anniversary Cheesecake copy cat
Ingredients:
-1 box moist rich fudge chocolate cake mix (plus whatever it calls for: eggs, oil, water)
-2 bags Walmart chocolate buttercream icing
-2 bake cheesecake mix (prepared according to package) plus whatever it calls for as well
-Chocolate fridge icing (for drizzle)
-Ghirardelli chocolate squares
-3 of any chocolate bar of your choice
-Heavy whipping cream for the homemade whipped cream
-Sugar for the whipped cream
Directions:
First, I made the chocolate cake mix according to the box and baked it in two pans so I could stack layers. Let them cool completely because otherwise everything will slide and be a mess.
While that was cooling, I made the cheesecake mix. I used the no bake variety and it worked. Let that chill fully in the fridge so it firms up. This step matters or it won’t sit right. Everything will want to slide away from the structure.
Once everything was cooled and set, I started layering:
1st layer: chocolate cake
Then I added a thick layer of chocolate buttercream
2nd layer: cheesecake
Another layer of chocolate buttercream
3rd layer: chocolate cake
More chocolate buttercream on top
4th layer: cheesecake (this is the top layer, no frosting on top of it)
To make the homemade whipped cream all you need to do is a chilled bowl and a mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream. Once it started to thicken up add 1 tablespoon of sugar at a time to your taste. Make sure to taste taste taste as you go!!
Then I finished it with chocolate drizzle all over the top instead of icing, and added extra buttercream swirls and chocolate pieces if I felt like being fancy.
It looks intimating but it’s not too bad considering you don’t have to make everything from scratch with this recipe! I tried to make it look as close to the original 30th anniversary cheesecake as possible. The chocolate on top is dark chocolate by Ghirardelli. The chocolate on the sides is crushed up chocolate pieces. Any candy bar works.
#copycat #baking #Cheesecake #cheesecakefactorycopycat #food
Recreating a discontinued favorite like the 30th Anniversary Cheesecake is both a nostalgic and rewarding experience, especially when the original is no longer available. From my attempts to replicate this decadent dessert, I found that using store-bought mixes like the moist fudge chocolate cake and no-bake cheesecake mix significantly simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. One helpful tip is to ensure that each layer is completely cooled or chilled before assembling. This prevents the layers from sliding, which can often be a frustrating challenge. I used Walmart’s chocolate buttercream icing between layers to mimic the rich, creamy texture of the original cheesecake factory version, and adding a homemade whipped cream topping with heavy cream and sugar gives the dessert an extra fresh touch. Using high-quality chocolate, such as Ghirardelli squares for the top drizzle, enhances the overall taste tremendously. I also experimented with crushed chocolate bars around the sides to add texture and visual appeal, but feel free to use any favorite chocolate candy bars for customization. Personally, the layering sequence—alternating chocolate cake, buttercream, cheesecake, and repeating—allows the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. The no-frosting finish on the top cheesecake layer keeps it elegant and highlights the smoothness of the cheesecake. If you’re hesitant about attempting such an elaborate dessert, this recipe breaks it down into manageable steps and leverages ready-made products, proving that you don’t have to start from scratch to create an impressive copycat version of a beloved discontinued treat. I recommend prepping the whipped cream right before serving to keep that light, airy texture fresh. Overall, making this cheesecake was a fun baking project and truly brought back that treasured taste many of us miss. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend indulgence, this copycat version delivers nostalgia and deliciousness in every slice.
