Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 24 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
– 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or jars of preserved cherries)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– Whipped cream for topping (optional)
– Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating the perfect Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake can be simple when you follow these clear steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
– Add granulated sugar and continue to mix until well blended.
– Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined.
5. Incorporate Chocolate: Blend in the melted semi-sweet chocolate until smooth and uniform in color.
6. Incorporate Cherries: In a small bowl, mix the pitted cherries with cornstarch. Fold the cherry mixture into the cream cheese mixture gently to distribute evenly.
7. Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
8. Cool Down: Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for about 1 hour to cool gradually.
9. Chill: After cooling to room temperature, remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
10. Serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.
Following these clear steps will help you create a Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake that looks and tastes wonderful!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 6g