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
- Prepare the oven at 325°F (163°C) and coat a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
- 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.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, and melted chocolate, stirring until the filling becomes uniformly smooth and glossy.
- Transfer the creamy filling over the prepared crust, spreading evenly to create a level surface.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates proper doneness.
- Remove from oven and let the cheesecake rest at room temperature until completely cooled.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor.
- 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