Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

If you love the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake combined with the luscious flavors of dark chocolate and bright, tart cherries, then you are absolutely going to adore this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe. It’s a decadent dessert that beautifully balances indulgence with freshness, showcasing a crumbly chocolate crust, silky chocolate-infused filling studded with juicy cherries, and a shiny cherry-chocolate topping that will make any gathering feel extra special. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, this cheesecake will quickly become a beloved favorite—and I can’t wait to share every step with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe plays an essential role, from the rich cream cheese that gives it its signature creaminess to the fresh cherries that add bursts of sweet tang. The list might look straightforward, but each component is critical for building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color you’ll adore in every bite.

• Chocolate cookie crumbs: Provides a sturdy, chocolatey base that complements the rich filling perfectly.
• Melted butter: Binds the cookie crumbs together and adds a subtle richness to the crust.
• Full-fat cream cheese: The star base of the cheesecake that gives it that classic creamy texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the chocolate and cherry notes.
• Eggs: Help create a smooth, firm texture while keeping the filling luscious.
• Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and tenderness to keep the filling from being too dense.
• Dark chocolate (for filling): Infuses deep, intense chocolate flavor throughout the cheesecake.
• Fresh cherries: Pitted and halved, these add fresh bursts of juicy brightness to each slice.
• Cherry preserves: Combined with melted chocolate to create a glossy, flavor-packed topping.
• Dark chocolate (for ganache): Melting for the final ganache topping adds shine and an extra layer of chocolate decadence.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature helps the cheesecake cook gently and evenly. Then, combine chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, mixing until every crumb is coated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan—it will become the irresistible foundation holding all your delicious filling.

Step 2: Make the Smooth Cream Cheese Mixture

Beat softened full-fat cream cheese with sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is key to avoiding lumps, so take your time whipping it to a velvety texture that’s the hallmark of a great cheesecake.

Step 3: Add the Eggs Carefully

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating gently just until combined after each addition. This careful method keeps the batter airy and prevents cracking during baking, ensuring a creamy, flawless filling.

Step 4: Blend in Sour Cream and Melted Chocolate

Stir in sour cream and rich melted dark chocolate until fully incorporated. These ingredients turn the filling into a silken chocolate dream with a slight tang that beautifully balances the luscious sweetness.

Step 5: Fold in Fresh Cherries

Gently fold the pitted and halved cherries into the filling. Their juicy bursts of tartness throughout the cheesecake add wonderful texture and surprise in every bite, elevating the recipe to something truly special.

Step 6: Bake in a Water Bath

Pour the cheesecake filling over your prepared crust then place the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to create a water bath. This technique helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracks by keeping the temperature gentle and steady.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the center is just slightly wobbly and a thermometer reads 145°F. Then turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour—this slow cooling helps it set beautifully.

Step 8: Chill Overnight

Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least six hours (or overnight) so it can fully set and develop that irresistibly creamy texture.

Step 9: Add the Cherry Chocolate Ganache Topping

Finally, melt cherry preserves with dark chocolate and spread this glossy, flavorful ganache over the chilled cheesecake to finish. This shiny topping not only looks stunning but also adds a vibrant cherry punch that perfectly complements the decadent chocolate layers underneath.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a few fresh cherries or shaved chocolate curls on top of the ganache. A light dusting of cocoa powder or even a sprig of fresh mint can add color and freshness, making your presentation pop and inviting everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake shines as a stand-alone treat, but pairing it with a simple cup of rich coffee, a glass of dessert wine, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can turn your dessert experience into a full celebration of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe in individual ramekins or jars for a fun, personal touch at parties. Another idea is to add layers of crushed cookies, cherry preserves, and chocolate ganache on the side for DIY toppings—everyone can customize their perfect slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and creamy for about 3 to 5 days, so you can enjoy this indulgent dessert again and again without losing its charm.

Freezing

If you’d like to save cheesecake for a longer time, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. The cheesecake can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain that creamy texture.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you prefer it slightly less cold, take it out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to let it mellow and soften just enough to enhance its melt-in-your-mouth feel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe?

Yes, you can swap fresh cherries for frozen, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture that could affect the cheesecake’s texture.

Is it necessary to use a water bath while baking the cheesecake?

While not mandatory, using a water bath greatly reduces the chances of cracking and helps the cheesecake bake evenly, resulting in a smoother, creamier final product.

Can I make this cheesecake without dark chocolate?

You can substitute with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, milder flavor, but dark chocolate adds the perfect intensity and contrast to the cherry’s tartness, making it ideal for this recipe.

How do I prevent cracks on the surface of my cheesecake?

Besides using a water bath, avoid overmixing the eggs, don’t open the oven door during baking, and cool the cheesecake gradually inside the oven. These tips help maintain a smooth top without cracks.

Can I prepare this cheesecake a day in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making the cheesecake a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to set perfectly, so it’s ready to impress when it’s time to serve.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe is like creating a slice of dessert heaven that’s both stunning and deeply satisfying. From the buttery chocolate crust to the silky chocolate filling dotted with fresh cherries and finished with a glossy, fruity topping, every bite feels like a celebration. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will have a permanent spot in your dessert rotation—and your friends and family will be asking for it again and again. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every luscious bite!

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