Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake combines the best of two worlds: the rich, velvety flavor of cheesecake with the sweet, tart taste of cherries, all enveloped in a luscious chocolate crust. This decadent dessert is a showstopper that will impress guests at any gathering or add a touch of indulgence to your family celebrations. The silky-smooth cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with a glossy cherry topping, while the chocolate crust offers a rich base that holds it all together.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Whether you’re preparing this for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake will be the perfect treat. The following guide will walk you through the steps, offer tips for a flawless bake, and suggest variations to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Decadent Chocolate and Cherry Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate, tangy cherries, and creamy cheesecake is irresistible. The flavors meld beautifully together, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
• Velvety Texture: The cheesecake filling is luxuriously smooth and creamy, offering the perfect contrast to the crunchy chocolate crust and the juicy cherry topping.
• Visually Stunning: The contrast between the deep chocolate crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant cherry topping makes this dessert visually impressive. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion.
• Simple to Make: Though it looks sophisticated, this cheesecake is actually easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple, so even beginner bakers will have success.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration, birthday, or a casual dinner with friends, this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake fits perfectly. It’s also a great way to impress guests or satisfy your own craving for a delicious, indulgent dessert.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3-4 hours (or overnight)
• Servings: Approximately 12 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per slice, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22-26g

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Crust:

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (about 20 chocolate cookies, such as Oreos)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Cherry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Crust

To make the chocolate crust, start by crushing the chocolate cookies into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing the cookies in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or by pulsing them in a food processor.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter and sugar (if using). Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture begins to hold together when pressed.

Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down firmly and evenly. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps remaining.

Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will give the cheesecake a silky texture.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking during baking.

Mix in the vanilla extract, flour, sour cream, and heavy cream. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause air bubbles that might result in cracks.

3. Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled chocolate crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles that may have formed.

4. Bake the Cheesecake

Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven at 325°F (165°C). Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center of the cheesecake still has a slight wobble when gently shaken.

To prevent cracking, consider placing a shallow pan of water on the oven rack below the cheesecake. This helps create steam, which prevents the cheesecake from drying out.

Once the cheesecake is done, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour with the door slightly ajar. This gradual cooling process helps avoid cracks in the surface.

After the hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or overnight, to set completely.

5. Prepare the Cherry Topping

While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the cherry topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the cherries start to release their juices.

For a thicker topping, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let the topping cool to room temperature.

Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, top it with the cherry topping. Use a spoon to spread the cherries evenly over the surface of the cheesecake, ensuring each slice gets a generous helping of cherries.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cheesecake into 12 wedges and serve. You can garnish each slice with a bit of extra whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients for the cheesecake filling, especially the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream, are at room temperature. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth filling.
• Avoid Overmixing: When mixing the cheesecake filling, avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles that could lead to cracks in the cheesecake’s surface.
• Use a Springform Pan: A springform pan makes it easy to remove the cheesecake once it’s set, allowing you to transfer it without damage.
• Cool Slowly: Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door ajar for at least an hour before removing it. This slow cooling process helps prevent cracks.
• Chill Thoroughly: Be patient with the chilling process—overnight refrigeration is best for allowing the cheesecake to fully set and develop its creamy texture.

Variations of Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake: Swap the cherries for fresh raspberries to create a tangy twist on the classic flavor combination. You can also swirl raspberry puree into the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.
• Nutty Crust: Add 1/2 cup of crushed nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the chocolate cookie crust for an added crunch and flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart cherries.
• Oreo Cheesecake: If you love Oreos, replace the chocolate cookies in the crust with Oreo cookies. You can also fold crushed Oreos into the cheesecake filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Salted Caramel Cherry Cheesecake: Drizzle a layer of salted caramel sauce on top of the cherry topping for an extra layer of sweetness and depth.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake. Slice the cheesecake into individual servings, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

Pair this rich and indulgent cheesecake with complementary treats and beverages to create the perfect dessert experience:

• Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee or espresso complement the sweet richness of the cheesecake and cherry topping.
• Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream can balance the richness of the cheesecake and add a touch of elegance.
• Chocolate Truffles: For chocolate lovers, pairing the cheesecake with a selection of rich chocolate truffles enhances the dessert experience.
• Fruit Platter: A fresh fruit platter, such as berries or citrus fruits, can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheesecake.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a luscious, decadent dessert that combines the best of chocolate, cheesecake, and fruit. The creamy texture, indulgent chocolate crust, and tangy cherry topping make it the perfect treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a stunning dessert that will impress everyone. Whether it’s for a special event or just because, this cheesecake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy each rich, creamy bite and the sweet satisfaction of this irresistible dessert!