The Cheesecake Factory’s Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake is a chocolate-and-cookie lover’s fantasy. Layer upon layer of creamy cheesecake loaded with Oreo pieces, sitting on a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, and topped with whipped cream and chocolate. This copycat version is a showstopper that tastes like it came straight from the restaurant.

The Secret

The water bath is the most important technique in this recipe. It creates a gentle, humid baking environment that cooks the cheesecake evenly and prevents the dreaded surface cracks. Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the turned-off oven with the door cracked prevents the rapid temperature change that causes the center to sink.

Pro Tips

• Every ingredient should be at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese creates a lumpy batter.
• Do not open the oven door while the cheesecake is baking — temperature fluctuations cause cracking.
• The cheesecake needs at least 6 hours in the refrigerator to set properly. Overnight is even better.
• Wrap the outside of the springform pan in aluminum foil before placing it in the water bath to prevent any water from seeping in.
• Run a knife around the edge of the pan before removing the ring to prevent sticking.