Indulge in the irresistible flavors of a Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake! This decadent dessert combines the richness of a creamy cheesecake with a luscious chocolate crust, topped with a smooth ganache and a burst of sweet cherry flavor. Perfect for any special occasion or as a treat for chocolate and fruit lovers alike, this cheesecake is a true showstopper. The combination of velvety cream cheese, semi-sweet chocolate, and cherry preserves creates a harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a quiet evening, this dessert will elevate any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, crushed)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 cup cherry pie filling or cherry preserves

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

Toppings (Optional):

Fresh cherries
Chocolate shavings

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Stir well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Set aside while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, then gradually add the melted and cooled semi-sweet chocolate. Mix until the batter is well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared chocolate crust, smoothing it into an even layer. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling (or cherry preserves) evenly over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cherry filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Add the remaining cheesecake batter and top with the remaining cherry filling, again swirling the mixture lightly.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Once done, turn off the oven, crack the oven door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. After cooling, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Topping

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a separate bowl and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it evenly over the top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your cheesecake with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for an elegant finishing touch. Refrigerate the cheesecake for an additional 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.

Cooking Notes:

For a stronger cherry flavor, you can drizzle some cherry syrup over the top before serving. This will enhance the fruitiness of the cheesecake and provide a beautiful visual contrast.
Make sure the cheesecake is fully chilled before serving. The longer it sits in the fridge, the more the flavors meld, creating a richer taste.
If you prefer a no-bake option, you can use a no-bake cheesecake mix for the filling, though the texture will differ slightly from the traditional baked version.

Serving Suggestions:

The Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or a romantic evening. Serve it as the main dessert after a hearty dinner, paired with a cup of coffee or a glass of sparkling water. For an added touch of elegance, you can drizzle extra chocolate sauce over the top or sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for an additional crunch.

Tips:

To make the cheesecake extra creamy, ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smoother filling without lumps.
If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular cake pan, but make sure to line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
If you’re in a time crunch, you can skip the overnight chilling and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. However, overnight chilling will result in a firmer texture.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Baking Time: 60 minutes

Chill Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per slice):

Calories: 450
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 300mg

FAQs:

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

A: Yes, you can use graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate wafers for the crust. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still work well.

Q: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and be sure to garnish with cherries and chocolate shavings before serving.

Q: What if I don’t like cherries?

A: If you’re not a fan of cherries, you can substitute with another fruit topping like raspberries, strawberries, or even a mixed berry compote. The chocolate ganache pairs wonderfully with any fruit.

Conclusion:

This Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake combines rich, creamy cheesecake with the perfect balance of chocolate and cherry flavors. The velvety ganache topping adds a touch of indulgence, while the fresh cherries and chocolate shavings give it an extra dose of elegance. Whether for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Make sure to try it and enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate, cream, and fruit in every bite!

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe | Rich & Creamy Chocolate & Cherry Dessert

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

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