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Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 44 reviews

This Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake combines a rich chocolate cheesecake with a buttery chocolate graham cracker crust, topped with luscious cherry pie filling, silky chocolate ganache, and finished with fresh cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings for an indulgent dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (or Oreo cookie crumbs)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

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

Ganache

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Toppings

  • 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
  • Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, combine chocolate graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes to set, then remove and let cool while you prepare the filling.
  2. Make the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder, mixing until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition to avoid incorporating too much air. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Finally, fold in the melted and slightly cooled semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring an even chocolate distribution. Pour this filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
  3. Bake the Cheesecake: Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish. Pour hot water into the larger dish to create a water bath, which helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevent cracking. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Once done, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour. After this, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to firm up completely.
  4. Prepare the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer but does not boil. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the chocolate, then gently stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it evenly over the chilled cheesecake to create a silky chocolate layer.
  5. Add Cherry Topping and Garnish: Once the ganache has set, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Garnish with fresh cherries or maraschino cherries, dollops of whipped cream, and chocolate shavings to enhance the Black Forest theme and add visual appeal.
  6. Serve: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice the cheesecake into 12 servings using a sharp, clean knife for neat slices. Serve chilled and enjoy this rich, chocolatey, and fruity Black Forest cheesecake indulgence.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure all cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
  • The water bath helps prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface by providing gentle, even heat.
  • Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for the best texture and flavor development.
  • You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh pitted cherries macerated in sugar and a splash of Kirsch for a more authentic Black Forest flavor.
  • To get clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.

Keywords: Black Forest cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, cherry cheesecake, baked cheesecake, chocolate ganache, dessert recipe

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/decadent-black-forest-cheesecake-recipe/