Description
This decadent Black Forest Cheesecake combines a rich, cocoa-infused cake base with a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, topped with a luscious cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking an elegant dessert with a fruity twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Topping
- 21 oz cherry pie filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cheesecake after baking.
- Make the Cake Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the melted butter, sugar, and eggs until fluffy and well combined. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Using a mixer, blend the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then, mix in sour cream and cocoa powder until the mixture is even and silky.
- Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled cake base in the springform pan. Place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan to create a water bath. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is slightly jiggly in the center but set at the edges.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow it to set fully and develop flavor.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, spread the cherry pie filling over the top of the cheesecake. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and add dollops or pipe over the cherries. Garnish with chocolate shavings for an elegant finishing touch. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Using a water bath helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake by maintaining an even baking temperature.
- The cheesecake is best served chilled after overnight refrigeration.
- For a stronger cherry flavor, you can stir some cherry juice into the whipped cream.
- Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Black Forest Cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, cherry topping, cocoa cheesecake, dessert recipe
