Dreamy Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe That Wows Every Time

Sweet dreams come alive with this incredible cherry chocolate cheesecake that blends rich cocoa and fruity bursts.

chocolate lovers will instantly fall for its decadent layers and smooth texture.

Cutting through a velvety filling dotted with deep crimson cherries.

Each bite promises a symphony of contrasting flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy cheesecake meets intense chocolate in an irresistible dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

Silky ganache and fresh cherries create a stunning visual that matches its incredible taste.

Grab a fork and savor this indulgent masterpiece that transforms an ordinary evening into something spectacular.

Why Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Is A Rich Showstopper

• Delightful Chocolate-Cherry Fusion: Combines rich chocolate cookie base with sweet cherry flavors, creating a mouthwatering dessert that balances decadent and fruity notes perfectly.
• Super Simple Preparation: Requires minimal baking skills with straightforward steps, making it an ideal recipe for novice bakers who want to impress family and friends without complex techniques.
• Quick and Convenient Dessert: Takes just minutes to prepare the crust and can be made ahead of time, offering a stress-free option for last-minute gatherings or unexpected sweet cravings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works wonderfully for various occasions like dinner parties, birthday celebrations, or weekend family desserts, appealing to both chocolate and fruit lovers with its irresistible combination.

What You’ll Need For Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: A rich, chocolatey base that provides a delicious foundation for the cheesecake.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and creates a crisp, flavorful crust.

Typically, graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies work best for the crumbs. Choose cookies with a deep chocolate flavor for maximum richness. Unsalted butter ensures better control of the overall saltiness of the crust.

How To Bake Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Smoothly

Step 1: Prepare Crust Foundation

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs. Melt butter and combine with cookie crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand. Transfer the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and press firmly and evenly across the bottom, creating a compact base. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until slightly golden. Remove and allow the crust to cool completely.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and mix thoroughly. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated. Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.

Step 3: Craft Chocolate Swirl

Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. Allow chocolate to cool slightly. Drizzle melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter, creating beautiful swirled patterns with a knife or spatula.

Step 4: Bake Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. Place the springform pan in a water bath to ensure even baking and prevent cracking. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for approximately 60-70 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake rest inside for 30 minutes to prevent sudden temperature changes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Prepare Cherry Topping

In a saucepan, combine fresh cherries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Simmer until cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens. Cool the cherry compote completely.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Spread the cooled cherry topping evenly across the surface. Optional: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or additional fresh cherries for extra decoration. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips For Creamy Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

• Create a Crisp Crust Base: Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press chocolate cookie crumbs evenly and firmly for a compact, uniform crust that won't crumble.
• Prevent Butter Separation: Melt butter completely and mix thoroughly with cookie crumbs to ensure a consistent texture that binds well during baking.
• Avoid Crust Burning: Watch the crust carefully during the 10-minute pre-bake to prevent over-browning, which can make the base bitter and tough.
• Springform Pan Protection: Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and a cleaner presentation of your cheesecake slice.

How To Store Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Without Cracking

• Refrigerate: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy later.
• Thaw: Move frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to gradually defrost without losing its creamy texture.
• Serve: Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance its rich flavors.

Perfect Pairings For Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

• Sip Sweet Cherry Port: Complement the rich chocolate and cherry flavors with a chilled glass of ruby port, enhancing the dessert's luxurious texture and fruity undertones.
• Match with Amaretto Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of almond-flavored amaretto over the cheesecake, creating a delightful harmony between the cherry, chocolate, and nutty notes.
• Pair with Bold Espresso: Serve a freshly brewed espresso alongside the cheesecake, cutting through its creamy sweetness and providing a robust contrast to the dessert's rich profile.
• Elevate with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream to create a stunning temperature and flavor contrast, melting smoothly against the cool, dense cheesecake.

Creative Takes On Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

• Cherry Berry Burst: Swap cherries with a mixed berry medley of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that adds complexity to the classic cheesecake.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Incorporate dark chocolate chunks into the cream cheese filling and drizzle with extra melted chocolate on top, creating a rich, intense chocolate experience.
• Nutty Crunch Sensation: Replace cookie crumbs with crushed almonds or pecans in the crust, then sprinkle toasted nuts over the finished cheesecake for added texture and depth of flavor.
• Espresso Cherry Indulgence: Blend a shot of strong espresso into the cream cheese mixture and top with chocolate-covered espresso beans for a sophisticated, caffeinated twist on the original recipe.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake FAQs

• What makes the crust unique in this Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake?

The crust uses chocolate cookie crumbs mixed with melted butter, creating a rich, dark chocolate base that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling and fruity cherry topping.

• Can I use different types of chocolate cookies for the crust?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different chocolate cookie varieties like Oreos, chocolate graham crackers, or chocolate wafer cookies to customize the base and add your own twist to the recipe.

• Why is pre-baking the crust important?

Pre-baking the crust helps set the butter-cookie mixture, creating a firmer, more stable base that won’t crumble when you slice and serve the cheesecake. It also enhances the cookie’s flavor and provides a nice crunch.

• How do I ensure the crust doesn't stick to the pan?

Using a springform pan and potentially lining the bottom with parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the cheesecake from the pan without damaging the crust.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sinful cherry chocolate cheesecake delivers pure dessert bliss with rich chocolate layers and luscious cherry swirls. Indulgent flavors meld perfectly, promising an irresistible experience that will make you dream of sweet, creamy perfection.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 g (2 blocks) cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 300 g (2 cups) cherries
• 120 g (4 ounces) dark chocolate
• 200 g (2 cups) chocolate cookie crumbs

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Other Ingredients:

• 75 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a 9-inch springform pan with a light coating of cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
2. Crush chocolate cookies into fine, uniform crumbs, creating a consistent texture for the crust’s foundation.
3. Melt butter until smooth and glossy, then thoroughly integrate it with the cookie crumbs to form a cohesive, slightly damp mixture.
4. Gently but firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan, creating an even, compact layer that will serve as the cheesecake’s sturdy base.
5. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake the crust until it sets and develops a subtle, toasted aroma, approximately 10 minutes.
6. Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely, ensuring a stable and crisp foundation for the upcoming cheesecake layers.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality dark chocolate cookies to enhance the rich, deep flavor of the crust, creating a more indulgent base for your cheesecake.
• Ensure the melted butter is completely integrated with the cookie crumbs to prevent crumbling and create a compact, stable crust that holds together perfectly.
• Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly against the bottom of the pan, using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to create a smooth, uniform layer.
• Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent moisture and maintain a crisp, clean texture that won’t become soggy.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg