Description
Sinful cherry chocolate cheesecake merges rich chocolate ganache with luscious cherry compote for an indulgent dessert. Silky cream cheese layers promise delectable comfort that will satisfy sweet cravings with European-inspired elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
Filling:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) melted dark chocolate
Cherries:
- 1 cup (150 grams) fresh or frozen cherries
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) chocolate cookie crumbs
Complementary Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft the graham cracker base by pulverizing cookies into fine crumbs and blending with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes to set the foundation.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky and lump-free. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Gently fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, and smoothly melted chocolate, maintaining a velvety consistency.
- Pour the luxurious chocolate-infused mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly to eliminate air pockets. Position in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the center appears slightly jiggly but set.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, which prevents cracking and ensures structural integrity. Once cooled, generously distribute cherry pie filling across the surface, creating a vibrant crimson topping.
- Enhance the presentation by delicately sprinkling chocolate shavings over the cherry layer if desired. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow complete setting and flavor melding. Slice with a heated knife for clean, precise portions.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling and easier mixing.
- Prevent cracks by baking in a water bath, which creates gentle, even heating and helps the cheesecake cook uniformly.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light, creamy texture and prevent air bubbles that can cause surface cracks.
- Swap cookie crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg