Description
This rich and creamy Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake combines a chocolate cookie crust with a luscious cream cheese and melted chocolate filling swirled with cherry pie filling, baked to perfection and topped with extra cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings for an indulgent dessert perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup cherry pie filling, plus more for topping
Garnish (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract and mix well until fully combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring to scrape the bowl between each addition for even mixing. Stir in the sour cream, then blend in the melted chocolate until the mixture is uniform.
- Add cherry filling: Gently fold in 1 cup of cherry pie filling, taking care not to overmix so the cherries remain intact and distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the batter over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool gradually: Once baking is complete, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill thoroughly: After cooling in the oven, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to let it set properly.
- Serve with toppings: Before serving, top the cheesecake with extra cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings as desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest texture.
- For a firmer crust, chill it for 30 minutes before adding the filling if you prefer not to pre-bake.
- Cheesecake can be made 1 to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
