Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Easy Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Decadent desserts often spark joy in the most unexpected moments, and this cherry chocolate cheesecake recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich indulgence and classic comfort.

Chocolate and cherries dance together in a sublime culinary partnership that promises pure bliss.

The creamy layers blend velvety chocolate with tart cherry notes, creating a dessert that feels both elegant and irresistible.

Each slice reveals a stunning combination of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

The smooth cheesecake base provides a luxurious canvas for the vibrant cherry and deep chocolate accents.

Dark chocolate shavings and fresh cherries crown this spectacular dessert, adding visual drama and intense flavor.

Storing Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake the Right Way

  • Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it on a flat surface to maintain its shape.
  • Place the entire cheesecake in a freezer-safe container, cover securely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for 1-2 months for quick single-serving treats.
  • Bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For frozen slices, thaw in the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Is this cheesecake difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic baking skills. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create a delicious dessert with ease.

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can! Pit and cook fresh cherries with sugar and a little cornstarch to create a homemade topping that will taste even more delicious.

  • What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate are ideal. They provide a rich flavor that complements the cream cheese and cherries without being overly sweet.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Bake the cheesecake in a water bath and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, let it cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake, Why You’ll Love It

  • Indulge in Decadence: Dive into a luxurious dessert that combines rich chocolate and sweet cherries, creating a mouthwatering flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Wow Guests Easily: Impress friends and family with a professional-looking cheesecake that seems complicated but is actually straightforward to prepare, making you look like a baking superstar.
  • Perfect for Special Moments: Elevate any celebration or create a memorable dessert that works beautifully for birthdays, holidays, or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
  • Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different cherry variations or chocolate types to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you the freedom to play with flavors and make it your signature dessert.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Must-Have Ingredients

Crust Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: A rich, chocolatey base that provides a delicious foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds a smooth, rich flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, creamy texture that is characteristic of classic cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help set the cheesecake filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake.
  • Melted Chocolate: Introduces a rich chocolate flavor to the cheesecake filling.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Cherry Pie Filling, Fresh Cherries: Bring a burst of fruity sweetness and a vibrant color to the finished cheesecake.

How to Create Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

Step 1: Craft the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab your chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter, then press this delicious mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan.

Pop it in the oven for a quick 10-minute bake to set the crust, then let it cool down completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab your electric mixer and beat the cream cheese and sugar until they become silky smooth.

Gently add eggs one by one, mixing after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla, sour cream, and melted chocolate until everything blends into a dreamy, rich mixture.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luxurious filling over your prepared crust.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

You’re looking for a center that’s just slightly wobbly when you give the pan a gentle shake – that’s the secret to a perfectly creamy cheesecake.

Step 4: Add the Luscious Cherry Topping

Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, spread a layer of vibrant cherry pie filling across the top.

For an extra touch of elegance, scatter some fresh cherries over the surface.

Chill the cheesecake before serving to let all those incredible flavors meld together.

Tips for a Smooth Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Cool the cheesecake slowly by turning off the oven and leaving the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes that cause surface cracks.
  • Use a double boiler or microwave in short 15-second bursts to melt chocolate smoothly without burning, ensuring a silky texture.
  • Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press cookie crumbs evenly and firmly into the pan, creating a compact and stable base.
  • Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling.
  • Pat fresh cherries dry before adding to prevent excess moisture from affecting the topping's appearance and texture.

Creative Twists on Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake: Replace chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cherry Delight: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Dream: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free cherry preserves to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Cherry Treat: Use coconut cream cheese, almond milk cream, and dairy-free chocolate to create a lactose-free cheesecake that's creamy and indulgent.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesecake Fans

  • Decadent Dessert Display: Serve this luxurious cheesecake on a sleek white porcelain platter to highlight its rich chocolate and cherry colors.
  • Cherry Chocolate Elegance: Dust the top with cocoa powder or shaved dark chocolate for an extra sophisticated and professional presentation.
  • Sweet Pairing Perfection: Accompany each slice with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate and cherry flavors.
  • Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle some fresh mint leaves around the edges or place whole fresh cherries strategically to add a pop of color and freshness to the dessert plate.
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Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent cherry chocolate cheesecake whispers sweet seduction with layers of creamy richness and intense cocoa charm. Dark chocolate crumble meets luscious cherry compote, creating a dessert that delights palates and promises pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) melted dark chocolate
  • 2 large eggs

Sweeteners and Dairy:

  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter

Additional Flavor:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by combining chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, pressing firmly into the base to create a compact crust.
  2. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely while maintaining oven temperature.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency with no lumps.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
  5. Gently fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, and melted chocolate, stirring until the filling becomes a rich, homogeneous mixture.
  6. Pour the chocolate-infused cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution.
  7. Return to the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking.
  9. Once cooled, generously spread cherry pie filling across the top of the cheesecake.
  10. Optionally garnish with fresh cherries for an elegant finishing touch.
  11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely before serving.

Notes

  • Swap chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers to create a celiac-friendly base.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie dessert option.
  • Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to ensure ultra-smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Cool cheesecake gradually by leaving it in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent cracking and maintain creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 389 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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