Description
This Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweetness of strawberries and the indulgence of chocolate. A perfect balance of flavors that will wow your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional for a chocolate crust)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate, melted
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
-
For the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter (and cocoa powder if using). Mix until everything is well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan to form the crust.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until well combined.
- Add vanilla extract and mix.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure not to overbeat the batter.
- Add sour cream and heavy cream, then mix until smooth.
- Fold in the melted chocolate until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an additional hour to cool gradually (this helps prevent cracking).
- After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
For the Strawberry Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.
- Let the strawberries sit for at least 15 minutes to release their juice and create a syrup.
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream together in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth and melted.
- Once smooth, let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cheesecake.
Assembling the Cheesecake:
- Once the cheesecake has fully cooled and set, top it with the macerated strawberries.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the strawberries or around the edges of the cheesecake.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For a firmer cheesecake, refrigerate overnight.
- If you want a thicker chocolate layer, increase the amount of melted chocolate in the filling or drizzle.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cheesecake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg