Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe That Wows Every Time

Decadent chocolate meets creamy cheesecake in this irresistible cherry chocolate cheesecake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Velvety smooth textures blend perfectly with rich, dark chocolate notes.

Sweet cherries dance through each luxurious slice, adding bursts of fruity brightness.

The silky filling rests on a crunchy chocolate graham cracker crust that melts in your mouth.

Elegant yet simple, this dessert works magic for any special occasion or weekend treat.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone craving more.

Prepare to wow your guests with this showstopping dessert that turns an ordinary evening into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Serving Tips For Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Dessert Nights

  • Romantic Date Night Dessert: Present this decadent cheesecake as a stunning finale to an intimate dinner, garnishing with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
  • Afternoon Tea Showstopper: Slice into small, delicate portions and serve alongside hot tea or coffee, creating a luxurious mid-afternoon treat that impresses guests.
  • Weekend Family Indulgence: Cut generous wedges and enjoy with loved ones, pairing with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the rich chocolate and cherry flavors.
  • Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack individual slices in portable containers for a sophisticated outdoor dessert that travels well and adds gourmet flair to casual gatherings.

Best Way To Keep Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Fresh

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cheesecake up to 3 days before serving and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop and become more rich and delicious as they settle.
  • Freezing Friendly: Wrap the cooled cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 4 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, ensuring the texture remains creamy and smooth.
  • Smart Slice Strategy: Cut individual slices and wrap them separately in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go dessert portions. These wrapped slices can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for quick indulgence later.
  • Ingredient Freshness Watch: Store fresh cherries separately from the cheesecake and add them just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and prevent any potential moisture from softening the crust. Keep cherries in a sealed container in the refrigerator for maximum crispness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything You’ll Need For Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

For Crust:
  • Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: Provides a rich, chocolatey base that adds depth and crunch to the cheesecake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates a smooth, compact foundation for the cake.
For Cheesecake Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers the classic creamy texture and tangy flavor that defines a perfect cheesecake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps balance the rich cream cheese.
  • Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cheesecake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake filling.
For Topping and Flavor:
  • Fresh Cherries: Brings a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dessert.
  • Dark Chocolate: Adds decadent richness and creates beautiful contrasting flavors with the cherries.
  • Whipped Cream: Provides a light, airy topping that complements the dense cheesecake.
  • Chocolate Shavings: Offers an elegant decorative touch and extra chocolate intensity.

Top Tools To Build Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake With Layers

  • Springform Pan: 9-inch round with removable sides for easy cheesecake release.
  • Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining cookie crumbs and butter.
  • Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for ingredients.
  • Spatula: Helps press crust mixture evenly into pan.
  • Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking pan.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurate butter measurements.

Making Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Like A Pro

  • Oven Warmth The kitchen gets cozy as you set the oven to a toasty temperature, preparing for a delightful baking adventure.
  • Crumb Base Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs, blending them with melted butter until they create a smooth, rich mixture that promises a delectable foundation.
  • Pan Preparation Gently press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even, compact layer that will support the creamy layers to come.
  • Initial Bake Let the crust transform in the warm oven for a short time, allowing it to set and develop a deeper, more intense flavor before cooling and awaiting its cheesecake companion.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Variations Worth Trying

  • Crumb Crust Perfection: Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press the chocolate cookie crumb mixture evenly and firmly into the pan, ensuring a compact and stable base for your cheesecake.
  • Chocolate Chip Twist: Sprinkle mini dark chocolate chips into the crust mixture for an extra burst of chocolate flavor that complements the cherry theme perfectly.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the crust up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator to save time on baking day and reduce kitchen stress.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular chocolate cookies with gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies or gluten-free graham crackers to make this dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Rich and creamy cherry chocolate cheesecake combines classic dessert flavors for a luxurious experience. Chocolate graham cracker crust and smooth cream cheese filling create an irresistible treat you’ll want to savor slowly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g (2 blocks) cream cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • 300 g (2 cups) cherries
  • 120 g (4 oz) dark chocolate
  • 200 g (2 cups) chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 250 g (1 ¼ cups) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 75 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream
  • 2 tbsps water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Crust Foundation: Pulverize chocolate cookies into fine, uniform crumbs and blend seamlessly with melted butter, creating a rich, cohesive mixture that will form the cheesecake’s robust base.
  2. Crust Preparation: Press the crumb mixture evenly and firmly into a lightly sprayed 9-inch springform pan, ensuring a compact and consistent layer that will provide structural integrity for the dessert.
  3. Initial Baking: Position the pan in a preheated oven and toast the crust until it achieves a golden, crisp texture with a delicate, nutty fragrance, approximately 10 minutes.
  4. Cooling Stage: Extract the crust and allow it to cool completely, establishing a solid and stable platform for the subsequent cheesecake layers.
  5. Cream Cheese Mixture: Whip cream cheese until smooth and silky, incorporating sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs, blending until the mixture achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency without overbeating.
  6. Chocolate Integration: Melt dark chocolate and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture, creating a marbled, decadent filling with rich chocolate undertones.
  7. Filling Deployment: Carefully pour the chocolate-infused cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution and eliminating potential air pockets.
  8. Cherry Placement: Distribute fresh or preserved cherries throughout the cheesecake filling, creating pockets of fruity brightness that will contrast with the chocolate’s depth.
  9. Baking Process: Position the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 325°F, baking until the center is almost set but retains a subtle jiggle, approximately 45-50 minutes.
  10. Cooling and Setting: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to achieve the perfect, firm texture.
  11. Garnishing Finale: Before serving, optionally adorn the cheesecake with additional fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder to enhance its visual appeal.

Notes

  • Prevent Cracking Technique: Bake cheesecake in a water bath to create gentle, even heat and prevent surface cracks by wrapping the springform pan in aluminum foil for moisture protection.
  • Chocolate Cookie Crust Mastery: Use high-quality chocolate cookies like Oreos for a richer, more intense flavor base and ensure crumbs are finely ground for a smooth, uniform texture.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Let cream cheese, eggs, and other dairy components sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing to guarantee a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter with perfect consistency.
  • Cherry Topping Enhancement: Select fresh or high-quality jarred cherries and drain excess liquid to prevent soggy cheesecake surface; consider reducing cherry liquid into a glossy sauce for more concentrated flavor.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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