When it comes to desserts, few things can rival a luscious cheesecake topped with juicy cherries and rich dark chocolate. This Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake has become a staple in my home, especially for special occasions or cozy gatherings with friends. The harmonious blend of velvety cream cheese, the slight bitterness of dark chocolate, and the sweet-tart cherries creates a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or treating yourself after a long week, this cheesecake is sure to impress.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why stop at regular cheesecake when you can indulge in layers of decadence? This Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake stands out for several reasons. First, it’s not just delicious; it’s also visually stunning, making it a showstopper on any dessert table. Secondly, it seamlessly combines textures and flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates—rich, creamy, and a little tart. It’s the perfect way to embrace the best of both worlds: chocolate lovers will rejoice in the depth of flavor, while cherry enthusiasts will savor the bright fruitiness.

"This cheesecake was a hit at our family gathering! The blend of chocolate and cherries was divine, and everyone asked for seconds!" – Sarah, dessert lover

The Cooking Process Explained

Making Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake might seem daunting, but the steps are straightforward and achievable! You’ll start by preparing that tasty chocolate cookie crust, which provides a crunchy base. Next, you’ll whip up a rich filling that combines cream cheese with luscious dark chocolate and fresh cherries for the topping. If you’re ready for a delightful culinary journey, let’s dive into the details of how this recipe comes together.

What You’ll Need

To create this delectable cheesecake, gather the following ingredients:

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup dark chocolate chips, melted
2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
¼ cup granulated sugar (for the topping)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup water

If you’re looking for substitutes, you can use coconut cream instead of sour cream for a dairy-free option or swap dark chocolate chips with semi-sweet if that’s your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly, then press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add the sour cream, mixing well. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and melted dark chocolate until well blended.
Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set. Once done, turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for one hour.
Cool: After one hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
Prepare the Cherry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine pitted cherries, ¼ cup sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture has thickened and is bubbly. Allow to cool, then spread it over the chilled cheesecake.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

To serve this delightful dessert, consider garnishing it with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside each slice for an extra indulgence.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To ensure your cheesecake stays delicious, store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This cheesecake can last up to 5 days in the fridge. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy again, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter without lumps.
Avoid Overbaking: To ensure a creamy texture, avoid overbaking. The centers can still look a little jiggly—they will firm up as they cool.
Chill Well: Allow the cheesecake to chill long enough for the flavors to meld. If time permits, overnight chilling elevates the taste.

Creative Twists

If you’re feeling experimental, here are some fun variations to try:

Nutty Crust: Mix in crushed pecans or walnuts with the cookie crumbs for an extra crunch.
Flavor Alterations: Swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate or try adding almond extract for a unique twist.
Fruit Combinations: Use mixed berries instead of cherries for a delightful summertime treat.

Common Questions

How long does this cheesecake take to prepare?
Including chilling time, plan for around 8 hours for this recipe, most of which is inactive chilling time.
Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust to keep it entirely gluten-free.
Is it possible to use frozen cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries work beautifully. Just make sure they are completely thawed and pitted before using them for the topping.

Enjoy crafting this mouth-watering Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake, a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors that makes for a perfect dessert at any gathering!

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

A luscious cheesecake topped with juicy cherries and rich dark chocolate, perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 1

Total Time 8

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

For the crust

1.5 cups chocolate cookie crumbs Crushed chocolate cookies
0.25 cups granulated sugar For the crust
0.33 cups unsalted butter, melted Helps bind the crust

For the filling

3 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened Must be at room temperature
1 cups granulated sugar For the filling
1 cups sour cream Can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free option
3 large eggs Room temperature for best results
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor
0.5 cups dark chocolate chips, melted For a rich flavor

For the cherry topping

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted Can use frozen cherries if thawed
0.25 cups granulated sugar For the topping
1 tablespoon cornstarch Thickens the topping
0.25 cups water To combine with cherries

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly and press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, mixing well.
Incorporate eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and melted dark chocolate until well blended.

Baking

Pour cheesecake batter over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set.
Turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for one hour.
After one hour, remove cheesecake and allow it to cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Cherry Topping

In a small saucepan, combine pitted cherries, ¼ cup sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened and bubbly.
Allow to cool completely, then spread over the chilled cheesecake.