Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake (Printable)
Creamy dark chocolate cheesecake with sweet cherry topping on a chocolate cookie crust.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 7 oz chocolate graham crackers or chocolate cookies, crushed
02 - 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt
→ Cheesecake Filling
05 - 8 oz dark chocolate (70%), chopped
06 - 32 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 3 large eggs, at room temperature
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
11 - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Cherry Topping
13 - 12 oz fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
14 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
15 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
16 - 2 tbsp water
17 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 340°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, mix crushed chocolate cookies, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
03 - Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler); let cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix in sour cream, vanilla, flour, and salt until just combined. Fold in melted chocolate.
05 - Pour filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake for 50-55 minutes, until edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
06 - Remove from oven, run a knife around the edge, and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
07 - In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat until cherries release juices (about 5 minutes). Mix cornstarch with a little cold water, stir into cherries, and simmer until thickened (2-3 minutes). Cool completely.
08 - Spread cherry topping over the chilled cheesecake before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of bittersweet dark chocolate and bright cherries creates this sophisticated flavor profile that feels fancy without being pretentious.
- Despite looking impressive, this cheesecake is actually quite forgiving and stays creamy for days in the fridge.
02 -
- Dont open the oven door during baking or the sudden temperature change can cause cracks in your beautiful cheesecake.
- The center should still be slightly jiggly when you take it out that continues cooking as it cools.
03 -
- Run your knife under hot water before slicing each piece for clean, beautiful cuts.
- If you notice cracks forming, the cherry topping will hide them beautifully so dont stress.