Description
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is blended before adding the next.
- Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream.
- Sift in cocoa powder and mix until combined.
- Fold in melted semi-sweet chocolate until batter is smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and add hot water until halfway up the sides (to prevent cracks).
- Bake for 55-60 minutes until the center is slightly set but still jiggles.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spread whipped cream around the edges.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired.
Notes
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for an intense cocoa flavor.
- Boozy Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of Kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the cheesecake batter.
- Fresh Cherries: Use homemade cherry compote or fresh cherries instead of canned filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-Inspired
Keywords: Chocolate cheesecake, Black Forest dessert, cherry cheesecake, rich chocolate cheesecake, holiday dessert