Description
Indulgent black forest cheesecake symphony marries rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and creamy cheesecake in a delectable German-inspired dessert. Layers of intense flavors and velvety textures invite pure chocolate-cherry bliss that will leave countless dessert enthusiasts craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (200 grams) chocolate cookie crumbs
- 8 ounces (225 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 6 ounces (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- ¼ cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (350 grams) cherry pie filling or fresh pitted cherries cooked with sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Fresh cherries (optional)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a rich, chocolatey foundation by combining chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture uniformly into a parchment-lined springform pan. Bake the crust at 325F (165C) for 10 minutes, allowing it to cool and set a sturdy base for the decadent cheesecake.
- Create a velvety cheesecake filling by blending cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring a uniform texture. Fold in sour cream, melted chocolate, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter becomes perfectly harmonious and luxurious.
- Carefully transfer the filling into the prepared crust. Position the springform pan within a larger water bath to ensure even, gentle baking. Bake until the edges appear firm and the center maintains a delicate wobble, approximately 50-60 minutes.
- After baking, allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for one hour. This gradual cooling prevents unsightly surface cracks and maintains a creamy consistency.
- Prepare a luscious cherry compote by simmering fresh cherries with sugar until they soften and release their vibrant juices. Thicken the mixture with a cornstarch slurry, creating a glossy, intense cherry sauce.
- Craft a luxurious chocolate ganache by heating cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the warm cream over chopped chocolate, letting it rest briefly before stirring into a smooth, glossy mixture.
- Assemble the masterpiece by spreading the cooled cherry compote across the cheesecake’s surface. Drizzle the ganache over the cherries, creating an elegant, marble-like pattern.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly. Before serving, embellish with delicate whipped cream, glistening fresh cherries, and elegant chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Stabilize your water bath by wrapping the springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage and potential soggy crust.
- Choose high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache and filling to enhance the rich, deep flavor profile of this Black Forest-inspired dessert.
- Opt for fresh, ripe cherries when possible, as they provide a more vibrant and intense fruity taste compared to canned alternatives.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven to minimize surface cracking and ensure a smooth, creamy texture throughout.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 433
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 215 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg