Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Here's a rich and indulgent Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake recipe that will impress everyone at your table. This decadent dessert features a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, a buttery chocolate cookie crust, and a luscious cherry topping that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

this Recipe

I first made this cheesecake for a holiday party, and it disappeared within minutes. Since then, it has become my go-to dessert for special occasions. The best part? It’s much easier to make than you’d think, with simple ingredients and a foolproof process.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this velvety, chocolate-infused cheesecake. This dessert is a showstopper in both appearance and taste.

First, it's incredibly rich and creamy, with a silky chocolate filling that melts in your mouth. The blend of cream cheese and melted chocolate creates a luxurious texture that’s impossible to resist.

It’s also perfectly balanced. The slightly tart cherry topping cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, giving you that ideal contrast of flavors.

Not to mention, this cheesecake is easy to prepare ahead of time. Since it needs to chill for several hours (or overnight), it's the perfect make-ahead dessert for dinner parties, birthdays, or holidays.

Lastly, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream. With a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, a smooth chocolate filling, and a cherry topping that complements every bite, this cheesecake is the ultimate treat for those who crave deep, indulgent flavors.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake lies in the combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and taste.

Chocolate Cookie Crust – A mix of crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter forms the base of this cheesecake. It provides a crisp yet buttery foundation that holds up beautifully against the creamy filling.

Cream Cheese – The heart of any cheesecake, full-fat cream cheese is essential for a rich, smooth texture. Be sure to let it soften at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.

Chocolate – Melted dark chocolate gives the filling its deep, luxurious flavor. Choose high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best results.

Cherries – Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, they add the perfect pop of fruity sweetness. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them beforehand.

Heavy Cream – This ingredient helps create an ultra-smooth and creamy texture. It also contributes to the stability of the cheesecake, ensuring that each slice holds its shape.

A springform pan is highly recommended for this cheesecake, as it makes removing the dessert much easier while keeping its beautiful layers intact.

How To Make This Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

Making this cheesecake is easier than it looks, and the process is well worth the effort. Follow these steps for a perfectly smooth and delicious dessert.

Start by preparing the crust. Finely crush chocolate cookies into crumbs, then mix them with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and bake for about 10 minutes to set. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.

For the chocolate cheesecake filling, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Melt the dark chocolate and let it cool slightly before adding it to the mixture. Blend in eggs one at a time, followed by heavy cream and vanilla extract. This ensures a silky and even texture.

Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake using a water bath. This step helps prevent cracks and keeps the cheesecake extra creamy. Bake at a low temperature until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Then, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open.

Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This helps the flavors meld and gives the cheesecake its signature dense and creamy texture.

For the cherry topping, simmer cherries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice until they release their juices and thicken slightly. Let it cool completely before spooning over the chilled cheesecake.

Serve slices of this stunning dessert with an extra drizzle of cherry sauce, and enjoy every bite of the rich chocolate and fruity goodness.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), this cheesecake stores beautifully. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

For longer storage, freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

When reheating a frozen slice, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs.

If you prefer a gluten-free crust, swap out the chocolate cookies for gluten-free chocolate graham crackers or almond flour mixed with cocoa powder and butter.

For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese. It won’t be quite as rich but will still have a lovely creamy texture.

Want to change up the topping? Swap the cherries for raspberries, strawberries, or a mix of berries for a different fruity twist that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

If you love extra chocolate, add chocolate chips or swirls of melted chocolate into the batter before baking. This creates pockets of rich chocolate flavor in every bite.

For an extra indulgence, top the cheesecake with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. This adds a beautiful decorative touch and makes it even more irresistible.

No matter how you customize it, this Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. Have fun experimenting and making it your own!

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