Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake
Indulge in a rich and irresistible chocolate cherry cheesecake with this easy 3-step recipe! A perfect blend of creamy, chocolaty, and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- - 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- - 1/4 cup melted butter
- - 2 tablespoons sugar
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- - 3 8 oz packages cream cheese (softened)
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- - 3 large eggs
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1/2 cup sour cream
- - 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate
- For the Cherry Topping:
- - 2 cups fresh or canned cherries pitted
- - 1/2 cup sugar
- - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- - Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- - Mix cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- - Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
- - Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- - Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- - Add cocoa powder and mix well.
- - Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed.
- - Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and melted chocolate until combined.
- - Pour filling over cooled crust.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- - Place a pan of water on the bottom oven rack to prevent cracking.
- - Bake cheesecake for 55-60 minutes until the center is just set.
- - Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Cherry Topping:
- - In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
- - Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir into the cherries.
- - Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes), then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Chill & Assemble:
- - Let cheesecake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
- - Spoon cherry topping over the cheesecake before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- - Slice and enjoy your decadent chocolate cherry cheesecake!