Why Make This Recipe
If you love dessert, especially rich and creamy treats, the Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake is a must-try! This dessert combines the classic flavors of chocolate and cherries, making it perfect for special occasions or just to indulge yourself. The creamy cheesecake, paired with a luscious chocolate crust and topped with cherry pie filling, will leave everyone asking for more. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings joy to gatherings and family dinners.
How to Make Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (or Oreo cookie crumbs)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press this mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Then mix in sour cream and vanilla extract, followed by the melted chocolate chips. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Place the cheesecake pan inside a larger baking dish and fill it with hot water (this is called the water bath method). Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55-60 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside the oven for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Heat the heavy cream until simmering. Pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly before pouring over the cheesecake.
- Once the cheesecake is chilled and the ganache is set, spread the cherry pie filling over the top. Garnish with fresh cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
- Carefully remove from the springform pan, slice, and enjoy!
How to Serve Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake
Serve this delicious cheesecake chilled, as it brings out the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries. You can slice it into wedges and serve each piece with a dollop of whipped cream and extra cherries on top. This dessert pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for a delightful treat after dinner.
How to Store Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake
To keep your cheesecake fresh, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can last for up to a week. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn!
Tips to Make Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake
- Ensure the cream cheese is super soft before mixing; this will help you achieve a smooth batter.
- Don’t rush the cooling process! Letting it cool in the oven and then chilling it in the fridge makes for a more stable cheesecake.
- If you want to add a little more flavor, consider adding a splash of Kirsch (cherry brandy) to the cherry pie filling.
Variation
For a twist on this recipe, you can add a layer of chocolate mousse on top of the cheesecake before adding the cherry filling. This will add an extra layer of richness and flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different fruit instead of cherries?
Yes! You can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like raspberry or strawberry.
2. How can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs instead of graham cracker crumbs or Oreos.
3. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake actually tastes better after a day in the fridge, so feel free to prepare it a day or two in advance.
Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy cheesecake featuring chocolate and cherries, perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (or Oreo cookie crumbs)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press this mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Then mix in sour cream and vanilla extract, followed by the melted chocolate chips. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Place the cheesecake pan inside a larger baking dish and fill it with hot water (this is called the water bath method). Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55-60 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside the oven for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Heat the heavy cream until simmering. Pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly before pouring over the cheesecake.
- Once the cheesecake is chilled and the ganache is set, spread the cherry pie filling over the top. Garnish with fresh cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
- Carefully remove from the springform pan, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
Letting the cheesecake cool in the oven and then chill in the fridge enhances stability. Consider adding Kirsch for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
