Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence, combining the richness of velvety chocolate cheesecake with the tart sweetness of cherry topping. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a well-deserved treat for yourself.

The creamy dark chocolate filling is decadently smooth, sitting atop a crunchy chocolate cookie crust that adds just the right amount of texture. Finished with a glossy cherry topping, this dessert offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that will leave your guests in awe.

Whether you’re a fan of classic cheesecakes or looking for a unique twist, this Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a recipe worth mastering. It’s elegant, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor: The combination of bittersweet chocolate and tart cherries creates a luxurious dessert that satisfies any chocolate lover.

Perfect for Any Occasion: This cheesecake is sophisticated enough for a holiday dinner yet simple enough to prepare for a casual get-together.

Show-Stopping Presentation: The vibrant cherry topping and rich chocolate filling make this dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.

Easy Make-Ahead Option: Cheesecakes need to chill before serving, so this dessert is perfect for preparing in advance.

Customizable: Swap out the cherries for raspberries, strawberries, or even caramel for different flavor combinations.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cooling & Chilling Time: 4–6 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 30g

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (about 20 cookies)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Use the back of a measuring cup for a smooth finish.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Slowly mix in the melted dark chocolate until evenly combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition to avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the chocolate cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
3. Bake the cheesecake for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
4. Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracks.

Step 4: Make the Cherry Topping

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before spreading over the cheesecake.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
2. Carefully release the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.
3. Slice and serve chilled, garnished with whipped cream or chocolate shavings if desired.

Ingredient Background

Dark Chocolate: The star ingredient, dark chocolate provides a rich, bittersweet flavor that balances perfectly with the tart cherries. Use high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best results.

Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake, cream cheese creates a smooth, creamy texture that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries add a tart sweetness that complements the rich chocolate filling. Their vibrant red color also makes the topping visually stunning.

Sour Cream: Adds tanginess to the filling, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the cheesecake’s creamy consistency.

Chocolate Cookie Crust: The crunchy crust provides a delicious contrast to the creamy filling and ties together the chocolate theme.

Technique Tips

Room-Temperature Ingredients: Let the cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.

Don’t Overmix: Beating the batter too much after adding the eggs can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.

Prevent Cracking: Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven helps minimize temperature shocks, reducing the risk of cracks.

Chill Thoroughly: Cheesecake tastes best after chilling for several hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Recipe Variations

White Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake: Replace the dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter twist.

Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake: Swap the cherries for fresh raspberries or a raspberry coulis for a different fruity flavor.

Gluten-Free Crust: Use gluten-free chocolate cookies or almond flour for the crust.

Mini Cheesecakes: Divide the recipe into a muffin tin with cupcake liners for individual servings.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Keep the cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap and foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents the surface from drying out. For added freshness, consider storing the cherry topping separately and adding it just before serving.

Freezing: Whether freezing the entire cheesecake or individual slices, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor. Store in a freezer-safe container for extra protection. When ready to serve, thaw the cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator to retain its velvety texture. For best results, freeze the cherry topping separately and assemble after thawing.

Reheating Tip: Cheesecake is typically served chilled, but you can let the slices sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. This enhances the creamy texture and allows the flavors to fully develop. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the texture.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Holiday Celebrations: Make this cheesecake the centerpiece of your dessert table for festive occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Garnish with fresh cherries, chocolate curls, and a dusting of powdered sugar to add an elegant, holiday-ready touch.

Romantic Dinner: Pair each slice with a glass of red wine, port, or even a sparkling rosé for a sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for a date night. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of dark chocolate for extra indulgence.

Birthday Parties: Elevate this cheesecake with a celebratory twist by decorating it with colorful sprinkles, edible gold leaf, or candles. A drizzle of caramel or white chocolate sauce, paired with a side of vanilla ice cream, creates a birthday-worthy treat.

Buffet Desserts: Pre-slice the cheesecake into smaller, bite-sized portions and arrange them on a platter for easy serving at buffets or potlucks. Add mini forks or dessert skewers to keep things neat and accessible for guests.

Special Equipment

Springform Pan: A 9-inch springform pan is essential for this recipe, allowing for easy removal without damaging the crust or filling. Its sturdy design ensures even baking.

Mixing Bowls: Use multiple bowls to streamline the preparation process, one for the crust, one for the filling, and one for the topping. This minimizes cross-contamination of flavors and makes mixing more efficient.

Electric Mixer: An electric hand or stand mixer is indispensable for beating the cream cheese to a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency. This ensures the filling is lump-free and velvety.

Offset Spatula: Ideal for smoothing the top of the cheesecake filling before baking and spreading the cherry topping evenly after cooling. Its angled design makes precision easy and prevents dragging through layers.

Microplane Grater (Optional): If you want to garnish the cheesecake with chocolate shavings or zest, a microplane grater is a fantastic tool for creating fine, delicate toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but milk chocolate will create a sweeter cheesecake. Adjust the sugar in the filling to balance the flavors.

2. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

3. Can I use canned cherries for the topping?
Yes, canned cherries can be used. Drain the syrup and reduce the added sugar in the topping to prevent it from becoming too sweet.

4. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a low temperature, and cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven after baking.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the day before and chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.

6. Can I freeze leftover slices?
Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

7. How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set, and the center should have a slight jiggle when shaken. Overbaking can cause cracks.

8. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wiping it clean between each cut for smooth slices.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and cheesecake lovers alike. Its luxurious layers of creamy chocolate filling, crunchy cookie crust, and tangy cherry topping make it a true show-stopper. Perfect for any occasion, this cheesecake offers indulgence and elegance in every bite.

This recipe’s balance of sweet and tart flavors ensures it will become a favorite among your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.

Take the time to savor the rich, decadent flavors of this dessert, and let it become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. From its stunning presentation to its unforgettable taste, Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a treat you’ll love to make and share!

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