There’s something irresistibly magical about the combination of rich chocolate, tangy cherries, and creamy cheesecake. This Black Forest Cheesecake Delight is a show-stopping dessert that pays homage to the classic German Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) while introducing a luxurious creamy twist. Imagine a silky, chocolate-laden cheesecake nestled on a buttery, crunchy crust, crowned with a glossy cherry topping and fluffy whipped cream. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet celebratory—perfect for any occasion that deserves a touch of decadence.
Black Forest cake has its roots in Germany’s Black Forest region, renowned for its scenic beauty and cherries. Traditionally made with layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream, this cheesecake version takes the same beloved flavors and transforms them into an irresistible dessert that’s as elegant as it is comforting. Whether you’re gathering family for a holiday dinner or hosting friends for a special celebration, this dessert is sure to be the centerpiece of the table. Let’s dive in and create a masterpiece that’s bound to leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Decadent Layers of Flavor: Every forkful offers a rich medley of chocolatey crust, velvety cheesecake, and tangy cherry topping, balanced perfectly with a touch of sweetness.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: The glossy cherry topping, pillowy whipped cream, and decorative chocolate shavings make this cheesecake almost too beautiful to eat (almost!).
- Make-Ahead Dessert: This cheesecake tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, giving you more time to focus on your event without last-minute stress.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: It’s a dessert that appeals to everyone, from chocolate lovers to cheesecake aficionados.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened (three 8-ounce packages)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pitted cherries in syrup (or 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Garnish:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for whipped cream)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
- Fresh cherries
How to Make Black Forest Cheesecake Delight:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. For extra precaution, line the base with parchment paper.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Form the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to create an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the base of a measuring cup to compact the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream the Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure no lumps remain.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add the vanilla extract and beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Add the Creams and Chocolate: Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until just combined. Sift in the cocoa powder and fold in the melted chocolate until the batter is uniformly rich and chocolatey.
- Assemble for Baking: Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Set Up the Oven: Place the springform pan in the center of the oven. Optionally, place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with about 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath (this helps prevent cracks).
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly when shaken.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Gradual cooling helps prevent the top from cracking.
- Chill: Transfer the cooled cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Topping
- Cook the Topping: In a saucepan, combine the cherries (with their syrup), sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy (about 7 minutes).
- Cool Completely: Remove from heat and let the cherry topping cool to room temperature before using.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Top the Cheesecake: Spread the cooled cherry topping over the cheesecake. Use a piping bag or spoon to decorate the edges with whipped cream.
- Finish with Garnishes: Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top and add fresh cherries for a touch of elegance. Remove the sides of the springform pan, slice, and serve!
Helpful Tips:
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter blend smoothly and prevents overmixing.
- Avoid Overbaking: The cheesecake is ready when the edges are set, and the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Letting the cheesecake chill for several hours enhances its texture and flavor.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Chill Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly
Notes
- Use a Springform Pan: Wrap the base in foil to prevent leaks, especially with a water bath.
- Make Ahead: This cheesecake tastes better when chilled overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix ingredients to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking.
- Chill Your Tools: For fluffy whipped cream, chill the bowl and beaters before use.
- Topping Variations: Swap cherries for raspberries or strawberries for a fresh twist.
- Clean Slices: Run a knife under hot water and dry it before slicing for clean edges.
- Room Temp Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Crack Fix: If cracks form, the cherry topping will beautifully hide them!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh cherries work wonderfully in this recipe. Simply pit and chop them, then cook as directed.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Keep the cheesecake in the fridge, covered, to maintain freshness.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Related Recipes:
If you loved this Black Forest Cheesecake, here are some other rich and decadent desserts you’ll enjoy:
Conclusion:
This Heavenly Black Forest Cheesecake Delight is not just a dessert—it’s an experience. With its indulgent flavors, beautiful presentation, and a touch of nostalgia, it’s the perfect recipe to create memories around. Gather your loved ones, slice into this decadent treat, and enjoy every bite of chocolate-cherry bliss!
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Heavenly Black Forest Cheesecake Delight
Description
There’s something irresistibly magical about the combination of rich chocolate, tangy cherries, and creamy cheesecake. This Black Forest Cheesecake Delight is a show-stopping dessert that pays homage to the classic German Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) while introducing a luxurious creamy twist. Imagine a silky, chocolate-laden cheesecake nestled on a buttery, crunchy crust, crowned with a glossy cherry topping and fluffy whipped cream. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet celebratory—perfect for any occasion that deserves a touch of decadence.
Black Forest cake has its roots in Germany’s Black Forest region, renowned for its scenic beauty and cherries. Traditionally made with layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream, this cheesecake version takes the same beloved flavors and transforms them into an irresistible dessert that’s as elegant as it is comforting. Whether you’re gathering family for a holiday dinner or hosting friends for a special celebration, this dessert is sure to be the centerpiece of the table. Let’s dive in and create a masterpiece that’s bound to leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened (three 8-ounce packages)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pitted cherries in syrup (or 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Garnish:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for whipped cream)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
- Fresh cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. For extra precaution, line the base with parchment paper.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Form the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to create an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the base of a measuring cup to compact the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream the Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure no lumps remain.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add the vanilla extract and beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Add the Creams and Chocolate: Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until just combined. Sift in the cocoa powder and fold in the melted chocolate until the batter is uniformly rich and chocolatey.
- Assemble for Baking: Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Set Up the Oven: Place the springform pan in the center of the oven. Optionally, place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with about 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath (this helps prevent cracks).
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly when shaken.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Gradual cooling helps prevent the top from cracking.
- Chill: Transfer the cooled cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Topping
- Cook the Topping: In a saucepan, combine the cherries (with their syrup), sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy (about 7 minutes).
- Cool Completely: Remove from heat and let the cherry topping cool to room temperature before using.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Top the Cheesecake: Spread the cooled cherry topping over the cheesecake. Use a piping bag or spoon to decorate the edges with whipped cream.
- Finish with Garnishes: Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top and add fresh cherries for a touch of elegance. Remove the sides of the springform pan, slice, and serve!
Notes
- Use a Springform Pan: Wrap the base in foil to prevent leaks, especially with a water bath.
- Make Ahead: This cheesecake tastes better when chilled overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix ingredients to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking.
- Chill Your Tools: For fluffy whipped cream, chill the bowl and beaters before use.
- Topping Variations: Swap cherries for raspberries or strawberries for a fresh twist.
- Clean Slices: Run a knife under hot water and dry it before slicing for clean edges.
- Room Temp Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Crack Fix: If cracks form, the cherry topping will beautifully hide them!