Description
Black Forest Cheesecake is an indulgent dessert that combines the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake with the deep chocolate and cherry flavors of the beloved Black Forest cake. It features layers of chocolate cookie crust, creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, luscious cherry topping, and whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, finely crushed)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling or fresh pitted cherries in syrup
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings or curls (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: Combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate. Mix until fully combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined (do not overmix).
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill with 1 inch of hot water (water bath) to prevent cracking.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Assemble: Spread cherry pie filling over the chilled cheesecake. Pipe or spoon whipped cream around the edges and top with chocolate shavings or curls.
- Slice and serve chilled for a luxurious dessert experience.
Notes
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the cheesecake batter.
- You can use homemade cherry compote instead of canned pie filling.
- Always chill the cheesecake thoroughly for the best texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American