Imagine biting into a slice of Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake, where creamy chocolate mingles with the tartness of cherries, creating a celebration for your taste buds. Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff The aroma wafts through the air, teasing you as it bakes, promising a dessert that’s rich yet refreshing.
This cheesecake isn’t just a treat; it’s an emotional experience, reminiscent of family gatherings and special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday bash or a cozy movie night, this delightful dessert steals the show every time. For more inspiration, check out this Banana Bread Cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This decadent Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is easy to make, even for novices in the kitchen
- Its luscious flavors create a taste sensation that’s hard to resist
- Visually stunning with its glossy cherry topping, this dessert is sure to impress guests at any gathering
- Perfect for holidays or casual get-togethers, it’s versatile enough for any occasion
I remember the first time I made this cheesecake; my friends devoured it within minutes and demanded seconds. Their happy faces were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust: A sweet and crunchy base that adds depth to your cheesecake; store-bought works great if you’re short on time.
- cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture; let it soften before mixing for the best results. Cream Cheese Banana Bread.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cheesecake perfectly; adjust to taste if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and richness; full-fat sour cream ensures your cheesecake stays creamy and luscious.
- Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding everything together; make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Fresh Cherries: Tart cherries add that burst of freshness; feel free to use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for folding into the batter; they melt beautifully during baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine crushed chocolate graham crackers with melted butter until crumbly. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
Mix the Filling: In an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy. Incorporate sour cream, eggs, cocoa powder, and blend until perfectly combined.
Add Some Chocolate Magic: Gently fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly dispersed throughout the batter. This will create delightful pockets of gooey chocolate in each slice.
Pour and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over your crust and spread evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 55-60 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
Add Cherry Topping: Once cooled completely, top with fresh cherries arranged artfully over the surface. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate on top for extra flair.
Chill Out: Refrigerate your masterpiece for at least four hours before serving. This cooling period allows flavors to meld wonderfully together—trust me; it’s worth the wait!
And there you have it! Your Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake awaits—each slice promises indulgence like no other. Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake Enjoy sharing (or not) this delicious creation with family and friends!
You Must Know
- This chocolate cherry cheesecake is all about indulgence; its rich flavors create a dessert that feels like a hug
- The combination of smooth cream cheese and tart cherries makes every bite a delightful experience
- Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat on any day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first while the oven preheats. Then make the filling, pour it over the crust, and bake until set for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap sour cherries for fresh ones or add a splash of almond extract for an extra flavor boost. Customize it to your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store this cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave to enjoy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling and avoid lumps
- Be careful not to overmix once you add eggs; this helps maintain the cheesecake’s fluffy texture
- Always let it cool completely before slicing to avoid messy pieces
Sharing this recipe at my sister’s birthday party brought smiles all around; seeing everyone savor each bite made my heart swell with joy. Flavorful Party Salad.
FAQ
Can I use different fruit toppings on my cheesecake?
Yes, feel free to experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or even mixed berries as toppings.
How do I know when my cheesecake is fully baked?
The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly but not liquidy when done.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the cheesecake overnight?
Refrigerating overnight improves flavor and allows it to set perfectly, enhancing your dessert experience.
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake, where creamy chocolate meets the tartness of cherries for a delightful dessert experience. Perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in, this cheesecake is easy to make and visually stunning, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or frozen)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Incorporate sour cream, eggs, and cocoa powder; blend until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips then pour filling over crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely, then top with fresh cherries and refrigerate for at least four hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For a flavor twist, substitute sour cherries or add almond extract. Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.