Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake
A luscious dessert that beautifully marries rich chocolate with tart cherries, creating an irresistible balance for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.25 cups sugar for the crust
- 0.33 cups unsalted butter, melted
For the filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup sugar for the filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted choose high-quality chocolate for best flavor
- 1 cup tart cherries, pitted and chopped fresh or frozen work well
- 0.25 cups cherry juice
For serving
- Whipped cream for serving, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add in 1 cup of sugar and the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one by one, blending well after each addition to ensure a creamy consistency.
- Gently stir in the melted dark chocolate, chopped tart cherries, and cherry juice until just combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top.
Baking
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, until the center is set but has a slight jiggle when shaken gently.
- Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the oven, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
Serving
- When ready to serve, slice and enjoy chilled, optionally adding a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
To keep your Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake fresh after making it, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to prolong its life, consider freezing slices individually wrapped in plastic, then in foil or a freezer-safe container, for up to 3 months.