Description
This Black Forest Cheesecake combines the rich flavors of creamy chocolate cheesecake with the tartness of sweet cherries and decadent chocolate ganache. It’s inspired by the classic Black Forest Cake, making it a luscious dessert for any chocolate and cherry lover!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (or Oreo cookie crumbs)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Garnish:
- Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Make the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract, then fold in melted chocolate chips. Pour over cooled crust.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the cheesecake pan inside a larger baking dish and fill with hot water (water bath method). Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55-60 minutes until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let cool in the oven for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Ganache: Heat heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before pouring over the cheesecake.
- Add Cherry Topping and Garnish: Once the cheesecake is chilled and ganache is set, spread cherry pie filling over the top. Garnish with fresh cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the springform pan, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality chocolate chips.
- The cheesecake can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg