Chocolate Cherry Dream Dessert (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Chocolate Crust
01 -
1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo)
02 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
→ For the Cheesecake Filling
04 -
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
05 -
1 cup granulated sugar
06 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 -
3 large eggs
08 -
1 cup sour cream
09 -
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
→ For the Cherry Topping
10 -
2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
11 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
12 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch
13 -
1 tablespoon lemon juice
14 -
1/4 cup water
→ For Garnish (Optional)
15 -
Whipped cream
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
02 -
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
04 -
Gently fold in the sour cream and cocoa powder until fully combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
05 -
Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled chocolate crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
06 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
07 -
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
08 -
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently until the cherries are soft and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
09 -
Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the springform pan. Spoon the cooled cherry topping over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly.
10 -
Slice the cheesecake with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between slices for clean cuts. Serve chilled, garnished with whipped cream if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
This decadent Black Forest Cheesecake combines the flavors of rich chocolate and cherries in a creamy cheesecake form.
02 -
For best results, make this cheesecake a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to set properly.
03 -
You can use fresh or frozen cherries for the topping, depending on seasonal availability.