1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a springform pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Crush regular or mint Oreo cookies and mix with melted butter to create the crust, then press it firmly into the bottom of the pan.
3. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.
4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and mix until well combined.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to avoid excessive air bubbles.
6. Stir in sour cream, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring for the signature mint color.
7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth out the top.
8. Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it into a larger baking pan filled with hot water (water bath method) to prevent cracks.
9. Bake for about 60-75 minutes, until the center is set but slightly wobbly.
10. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for an hour.
11. Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
12. Prepare the chocolate cake layers by mixing your favorite chocolate cake batter and baking according to the recipe.
13. Let the cake layers cool completely before assembling the cake.
14. Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate, then carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top.
15. Add the second chocolate cake layer over the cheesecake, aligning it properly.
16. Make the chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream and pouring it over chocolate chips, then stirring until smooth.
17. Pour the ganache over the entire cake, letting it drip down the sides.
18. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and a bit of peppermint extract to make mint whipped cream.
19. Pipe the mint whipped cream decoratively on top of the cake.
20. Garnish with Andes mints or other mint chocolate candies to enhance presentation.
21. Chill the cake for a few hours to allow the layers to set properly before serving.
22. Slice and enjoy your Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Cake as a rich and festive dessert.