Why Make This Recipe
Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself. This cheesecake is not only visually stunning but also brings a wonderful mix of textures and flavors.
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, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract, then fold in melted chocolate chips. Pour over cooled crust.
- Place the cheesecake pan inside a larger baking dish and fill with hot water (water bath method). Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55-60 minutes until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let cool in the oven for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Heat heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before pouring over the cheesecake.
- Once the cheesecake is chilled and ganache is set, spread 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 the Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, a few fresh cherries, and perhaps some extra chocolate shavings for added elegance. It pairs well with coffee or a glass of dessert wine.
How to Store Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake
Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 5 days.
Tips to Make Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Use a water bath to help bake the cheesecake evenly and prevent cracks.
- Feel free to use fresh cherries if you prefer over canned pie filling.
Variation
You can change the flavor of this cheesecake by adding different toppings, like raspberries or strawberries. You can also experiment with flavored cheesecake batter by incorporating orange zest or other extracts.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different crust?
Yes, you can use any cookie crumbs you prefer, such as regular graham crackers or digestive biscuits.
2. How long does the cheesecake need to chill?
It’s best to chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best flavor and texture.
3. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate it until you are ready to serve.
Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (or Oreo cookie crumbs) Use Oreo crumbs for a richer flavor.
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened 3 (8-ounce) packages
- 1 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 0.5 cups sour cream
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
- 21 oz can cherry pie filling
Toppings
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- as needed pieces Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries For garnish.
- as needed Whipped cream For serving.
- as needed Chocolate shavings For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- 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, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and press into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Make Filling
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract, then fold in melted chocolate chips.
- Pour over cooled crust.
Bake Cheesecake
- Place the cheesecake pan inside a larger baking dish and fill with hot water (water bath method).
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55-60 minutes until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare Ganache and Serve
- Heat heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before pouring over the cheesecake.
- Once the cheesecake is chilled and ganache is set, spread cherry pie filling over the top.
- Garnish with fresh cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
- Carefully remove from the springform pan, slice, and enjoy!
