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