Description
A rich and creamy dark chocolate cherry cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust and whipped cream topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo or chocolate graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (whipped)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
- Fresh cherries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even layer.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the sour cream and melted dark chocolate until smooth.
- Gently fold in the cherry pie filling or chopped cherries.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for about 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, spread the whipped heavy cream over the top of the cheesecake.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries if desired.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate overnight.
- Use quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
