Why Make This Recipe
If you love chocolate and cherries, this Luxurious Black Forest Cheesecake is a must-try. It combines a rich, creamy cheesecake with a decadent chocolate crust and a sweet cherry topping. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself. Its balance of flavors and textures will impress anyone who takes a bite.
How to Make Luxurious Black Forest Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- Fresh cherries for garnish
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Directions:
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Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool.
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Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is fully combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.
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Prepare the Cherry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook this mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly until it thickens and the cherries start to break down, about 5-7 minutes. Pour this cherry mixture over the cheesecake layer.
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Bake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-65 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer. Remove it from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate melts completely, creating a smooth ganache. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake.
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Garnish: Finally, garnish the cheesecake with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings. Slice and serve.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes + chilling time
How to Serve Luxurious Black Forest Cheesecake
Serve the Luxurious Black Forest Cheesecake chilled. You can place it on a cake stand for an attractive presentation. Each slice should display the creamy filling, cherry topping, and chocolate crust, making it as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch.
How to Store Luxurious Black Forest Cheesecake
Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator. Make sure it is covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors. It is best consumed within 3-4 days but can last up to a week if stored properly.
Tips to Make Luxurious Black Forest Cheesecake
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter to avoid incorporating too much air.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the cherry topping by adding more or less sugar depending on your preference.
Variation
For a different twist, try adding a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry topping or using a graham cracker crust instead of a chocolate cookie crust. You could also experiment with using different types of fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, for a fresh take on this cheesecake.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using in the recipe.
Q: How long does this cheesecake need to chill?
A: It’s best to refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling allows the flavors to develop even more.
Q: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cheesecake stores well in the refrigerator, making it a great choice for preparing in advance for parties or special occasions.
Luxurious Black Forest Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Cherry Topping
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
For Garnish
- Fresh cherries for garnish
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
Preparation of Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together until well combined.
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool.
Making the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is fully combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.
Preparation of Cherry Topping
- In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook this mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly until it thickens and the cherries start to break down, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour this cherry mixture over the cheesecake layer.
Baking the Cheesecake
- Bake the cheesecake for 55-65 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Making the Chocolate Ganache
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer.
- Remove it from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate.
- Stir until the chocolate melts completely, creating a smooth ganache.
- Let it cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake.
Garnishing
- Garnish the cheesecake with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings.
- Slice and serve.
