I still remember the first time I made a Black Forest Cheesecake for my family—it was a rainy Sunday, and the smell of chocolate and cherries filled the kitchen. From that day on, creating easy Black Forest Cheesecake recipes became my little weekend ritual. This recipe is quick, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, giving you a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that combines rich chocolate, tangy cherries, and creamy indulgence, this Black Forest Cheesecake is your answer. Unlike ordinary desserts, this easy Black Forest Cheesecake recipe brings the classic flavors of Black Forest cake into a smooth, velvety cheesecake that’s perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or even a weeknight treat. With simple ingredients, customizable layers, and a no-fuss preparation, this Black Forest Cheesecake is both impressive and approachable.
You’ll love how the chocolate cookie crust adds a delightful crunch, while the creamy cheesecake filling melts in your mouth. The cherry topping brings the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re baking the traditional version or trying a no-bake Black Forest Cheesecake, this recipe is versatile, easy to follow, and family-approved. Perfect for beginners and dessert enthusiasts alike, this Black Forest Cheesecake recipe ensures a show-stopping dessert that’s quick, simple, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Every ingredient in this Black Forest Cheesecake plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chocolate cookie crust provides a crunchy, rich base that complements the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling. Using high-quality cream cheese, like Philadelphia, ensures a velvety texture, while melted semi-sweet chocolate adds a deep chocolate flavor. Tart cherries in the topping bring a refreshing contrast, and lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a soft, airy finish. Each component is simple, yet together they create a show-stopping Black Forest Cheesecake that’s easy to make and irresistible to eat.

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cheesecake):
For the Crust:
2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For the Cherry Topping:
1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make This Recipe
Creating the perfect Black Forest Cheesecake is easier than you think, whether you’re following a classic baked method or a quick black forest cheesecake no bake version. This easy Black Forest Cheesecake recipe combines a chocolate cookie crust, creamy Philadelphia cheesecake filling, and a luscious cherry topping to deliver a dessert that rivals any Black Forest cake recipe. Even beginners can follow this black forest cheesecake secret recipe to impress family and friends, while enthusiasts will love adding chocolate or whipped cream variations.
🛒 Steps (for one 9-inch round cheesecake):
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Mix 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs with ¼ cup melted butter. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. For baked cheesecake, pre-bake 10 minutes; for no-bake, chill crust in the fridge.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat 16 oz cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended) with ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Add 2 eggs one at a time, then fold in ½ cup sour cream and ¾ cup melted chocolate. Pour over crust.
Step 3: Bake or Chill
For baked: 50–60 minutes at 325°F. Cool completely, then refrigerate 4+ hours.
For no-bake: Chill 4–6 hours until firm.
Step 4: Prepare Cherry Topping
Cook 1 cup pitted cherries with ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 2 tbsp water, ½ tsp vanilla until thickened. Cool.
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate
Spread cherry topping over cheesecake. Whip 1 cup cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla. Pipe or spread on top. Optional: sprinkle chocolate shavings for extra chocolate cheesecake flavor.

Expert Cooking Tips
Mastering the perfect Black Forest Cheesecake is all about technique, ingredient quality, and timing. Using Philadelphia cream cheese ensures a smooth, creamy texture, while high-quality chocolate enhances the rich chocolate cheesecake flavor. For a quick and foolproof dessert, try the black forest cheesecake no bake version. Following this easy Black Forest Cheesecake recipe, you can avoid cracks, achieve a perfectly firm filling, and create a stunning dessert that rivals any black forest cake recipe or black forest cheesecake bbc good food inspiration.
💡 Expert Tips (for one 9-inch round cheesecake):
• Use room-temperature cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended) for a smooth filling
• Beat eggs gently to avoid air bubbles in the cheesecake recipe
• For black forest cheesecake no bake, chill at least 4–6 hours until firm
• Use fresh or high-quality canned cherries for the topping
• To prevent cracks in baked cheesecake, bake in a water bath or leave the oven slightly open after baking
• Whip cream just before assembling for fluffy chocolate cheesecake or black forest cheesecake Philadelphia variations
• Add chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for an extra layer of flavor

FAQs
Q: Can I make a black forest cheesecake no bake?
A: Yes! This easy Black Forest Cheesecake recipe has a no-bake version that’s quick and simple to prepare. It uses a chocolate cookie crust, creamy Philadelphia cheesecake filling, and a luscious cherry topping, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Q: What is the secret to a perfect Black Forest Cheesecake?
A: The black forest cheesecake secret recipe lies in using high-quality cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended), melted chocolate, and fresh cherries. Properly chilling or baking ensures a creamy, crack-free dessert every time.
Q: Where can I find black forest cheesecake near me?
A: Many bakeries and dessert shops offer Black Forest Cheesecake to buy. Specialty stores, local patisseries, or even Symphony dessert outlets may carry this decadent chocolate cheesecake. You can also check online for freshly delivered options.
Q: How is a Black Forest Cheesecake different from traditional Black Forest cake?
A: Unlike a classic black forest cake recipe, Black Forest Cheesecake combines chocolate and cherries with a creamy cheesecake filling on a cookie crust, giving it a smooth texture while maintaining the classic chocolate and cherry flavors.
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This Black Forest Cheesecake recipe brings together rich chocolate, creamy Philadelphia cheesecake filling, and tart cherries to create a show-stopping dessert that’s both easy and indulgent. Whether you choose the classic baked version or a quick black forest cheesecake no bake method, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or special celebrations. With simple ingredients, customizable layers, and expert tips included, your homemade Black Forest Cheesecake will rival any bakery, making every bite a memorable treat.
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Black Forest Cheesecake
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luscious chocolate cheesecake layered with cherries and whipped cream, inspired by the classic Black Forest cake. This rich dessert features a chocolate cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a cherry topping, making it perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or any chocolate-and-cherry craving.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cheesecake):
For the Crust:
2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For the Cherry Topping:
1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each.
Fold in sour cream and melted chocolate until fully incorporated.
Pour over cooled crust and smooth the top.
Step 3: Bake Cheesecake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the center is almost set (slightly jiggly is fine).
Turn off the oven and leave cheesecake inside for 10 minutes to prevent cracking. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare Cherry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla.
Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Let cool completely.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Assemble
Spread cherry topping over chilled cheesecake.
Pipe or spread whipped cream around the edges or in decorative swirls on top.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cheesecake can be made a day in advance; assemble toppings the day of serving.
- No-Bake Version: For a no-bake alternative, skip the oven, chill filling for 4–6 hours, and layer with cookie crust and toppings.
- Extra Chocolate: Sprinkle shaved chocolate on top for a decadent finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cheesecake
- Method: Baked / Chilled / Layered
- Cuisine: International / Fusion
