Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake. This luscious dessert features a smooth cream cheese filling blended with dark chocolate and fresh cherries, all resting on a chocolate cookie crust. Perfect for any special occasion, this cheesecake is sure to impress with its stunning flavor and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz dark chocolate, melted
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Mix in the melted dark chocolate until well combined.
- Gently fold in the fresh cherries.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed.
- Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth batter.
- You can substitute fresh cherries with frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
- Garnish with additional fresh cherries or chocolate shavings before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes