Description
A rich and creamy cheesecake featuring chocolate and cherries, perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (or Oreo cookie crumbs)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 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
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, then mix in melted chocolate chips.
- Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Place the cheesecake pan inside a larger baking dish. Fill the outer dish with hot water.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55-60 minutes until edges are set but the center remains jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for one hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least four hours, or overnight for best results.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering, pour over chocolate chips, and stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before drizzling over the cheesecake.
- Spread the cherry pie filling across the top, garnish with fresh cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
- Carefully remove the springform pan, slice, and serve.
Notes
Let the cheesecake chill overnight for the best flavor and texture. Experiment with different types of chocolate for varied flavor.
