Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

The Ultimate Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet dreams come alive with a dreamy cherry chocolate cheesecake that blends velvety richness and decadent flavors.

Creamy layers melt seamlessly between luscious chocolate and bright cherry notes.

Delicate swirls of deep burgundy contrast against smooth chocolate landscapes.

chocolate lovers will find themselves enchanted by each spoonful of pure indulgence.

Unexpected textures dance across your palate with every carefully crafted bite.

Weekend baking becomes an adventure when such an elegant dessert emerges from your kitchen.

Prepare to wow everyone with this irresistible masterpiece that promises pure culinary magic.

Cheesecake Combos and Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Delight: Replace chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of eggs, and choose dairy-free dark chocolate for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Chocolate Cheesecake: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free cherry preserves to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Cherry Treat: Use coconut cream cheese, almond milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips to create a lactose-free version of the classic cheesecake.

What Tastes Great with Cherry Cheesecake

  • Sweet Slice of Heaven: Serve each cheesecake slice on a beautiful white dessert plate for elegant presentation.
  • Berry Bliss Companion: Pair with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors.
  • Beverage Harmony: Enjoy alongside a steaming cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine like port to enhance the decadent taste experience.
  • Garnish Magic: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or add a mint leaf for a professional touch that elevates the visual appeal of your dessert.

How to Save Cherry Cheesecake Properly

  • Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the cheesecake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Move frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavors.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent texture changes or melting the creamy filling.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers work great as alternatives to chocolate cookie crumbs.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, and bake in a water bath to help prevent surface cracks.

  • Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.

  • Is there a way to tell if the cheesecake is fully baked?

The center should jiggle slightly when gently shaken, and the edges should be set but not browned when it’s done.

Why This Cheesecake Deserves a Spot

  • Create Stunning Dessert: Impress friends and family with a professional-looking cheesecake that looks like it came straight from a bakery, requiring minimal baking skills.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap cherry topping for other fruits or add chocolate drizzle to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you creative freedom in the kitchen.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions: Elevate dinner parties, birthdays, or holiday gatherings with a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate and sweet cherries for a crowd-pleasing treat.
  • Simple Preparation Steps: Follow straightforward instructions that make this complex-looking dessert surprisingly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers who want to look like a pro.

What’s Inside Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

Crust:
  • Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: A rich, chocolatey base that provides a delicious foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds a rich, smooth texture.
Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy core ingredient that gives the cheesecake its signature smooth texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Melted Chocolate: Introduces a rich, deep chocolate flavor to the filling.
Topping:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a sweet and fruity complement to the chocolate cheesecake.
  • Fresh Cherries: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dessert.

How to Make This Cheesecake Just Right

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 325°F.

Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until well combined.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and silky.

Add eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition to create a perfectly blended batter.

Step 4: Enhance the Flavor Profile

Gently stir in these ingredients:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream
  • Melted chocolate

Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and no streaks remain.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the creamy filling over the cooled chocolate crust.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is just slightly set but still has a gentle jiggle.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight to set fully and develop rich flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top the chilled cheesecake with:
  • Cherry pie filling
  • Fresh cherries

Slice and serve this luxurious dessert to delight your guests with a perfect blend of chocolate and cherry flavors.

Notes for a Better Cheesecake Outcome

  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and gently fold ingredients to minimize air bubbles that cause surface cracks.
  • Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water to create even, gentle heat and prevent overbaking.
  • Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for richer, more intense flavor in the cheesecake filling.
  • Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free batter.
  • Replace canned cherry pie filling with fresh homemade compote for a more vibrant, less sweet topping.
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Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe


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4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Luscious cherry chocolate cheesecake combines creamy richness with intense chocolate flavor and sweet cherry notes. Dessert enthusiasts will discover pure indulgence through balanced layers of complementary ingredients and classic baking techniques.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Topping and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh cherries
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 325°F (163°C) and coat a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
  2. Combine chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, firmly pressing the mixture into the pan’s bottom. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, then allow it to cool completely.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
  5. Gently fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, and melted chocolate, stirring until the filling becomes uniformly smooth and glossy.
  6. Transfer the creamy filling over the prepared crust, spreading evenly to create a level surface.
  7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates proper doneness.
  8. Remove from oven and let the cheesecake rest at room temperature until completely cooled.
  9. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor.
  10. Before serving, generously garnish the chilled cheesecake with cherry pie filling and scatter fresh cherries on top for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Cracking: Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to create a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
  • Customize Crust: Swap chocolate cookie crumbs with graham crackers or gluten-free alternatives for dietary variations.
  • Water Bath Technique: Place the springform pan in a larger water bath during baking to ensure even, gentle heat distribution and prevent cracks.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and special occasions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 68 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 4 mg
  • Fat: 3.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.8 g
  • Fiber: 0.7 g
  • Protein: 0.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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