Irresistible Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe

Chocolate dreams merge with classic black forest cheesecake brilliance in this irresistible dessert adventure.

Rich layers of velvety cream cheese dance with deep cocoa notes.

Cherries add a tangy burst that cuts through luxurious sweetness.

Dark chocolate crumbs create a perfectly crumbly foundation for each delectable slice.

Kirsch liqueur whispers sophisticated hints throughout this elegant treat.

German baking traditions shine in every creamy, indulgent bite.

You’ll fall head over heels for this show-stopping dessert that promises pure culinary magic.

Dive into a slice and let decadence reign supreme.

Items Required for a Black Forest Cheesecake

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: The base of the cheesecake with rich chocolate flavor and crumbly texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and creates a solid, cohesive crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary creamy and tangy base for the cheesecake, provides smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Sour Cream: Enhances richness and creates a velvety smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and complements the chocolate elements.
• Cocoa Powder: Introduces rich chocolate taste throughout the cheesecake.

• Cherries: Classic Black Forest flavor, adds fruity and tart contrast.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy topping that complements the rich cheesecake.
• Dark Chocolate Shavings: Decorative element that adds extra chocolate intensity.

Instructions for Building a Black Forest Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter. Wrap the pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to block any potential leaks during baking.

Step 2: Create Chocolatey Crust Base

• Chocolate cookie crumbs
• Melted butter

Blend the cookie crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and cohesive.

Step 3: Form Crust Foundation

Press the chocolate crumb mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact, uniform layer. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and allow the crust to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream

Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually incorporate sugar, mixing until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until the filling becomes silky and uniform.

Step 5: Create Chocolate Swirl Magic

Melt dark chocolate and gently fold into a portion of the cheesecake batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 6: Pour and Bake Cheesecake

Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Drizzle the chocolate swirl mixture on top and use a knife to create elegant patterns. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake rest inside for one hour to prevent cracking. Remove and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 8: Decorate with Cherry Elegance

• Whipped cream
• Fresh cherries
• Chocolate shavings

Serve chilled and enjoy your magnificent Black Forest Cheesecake!

Ways to Improve Your Black Forest Cheesecake Outcome

• Crush Cookies Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, uniform crumbs for a smooth, compact crust that holds together beautifully.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling to maintain its crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Wrap Pan Strategically: Double-wrap the springform pan's exterior with heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a watertight seal and prevent water from seeping into the cheesecake during baking.
• Ensure Smooth Filling: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and create a silky, creamy cheesecake texture.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, intense Black Forest taste.

Tips on Keeping Black Forest Cheesecake Fresh and Moist

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the top tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Slice the cheesecake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake can last up to 2 months.
• Remove frozen cheesecake from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents soggy edges.
• For the best taste and texture, let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the texture to soften slightly.

What Works Well with Black Forest Cheesecake

• Pair this luscious cheesecake with a crisp German Kirsch liqueur that echoes the Black Forest cake's traditional flavor, enhancing the rich cherry notes and complementing the chocolate layers.
• Select a sweet red dessert wine like Port or a late-harvest Pinot Noir, which beautifully balances the cake's creamy texture and chocolatey depth while highlighting the fruity cherry undertones.
• Serve alongside a smooth, dark roast espresso or a velvety cappuccino, letting the coffee's robust intensity cut through the cheesecake's sweetness and provide a perfect counterpoint to its decadent profile.
• Accompany the dessert with a tart cherry sorbet, creating a refreshing palate cleanser that brightens the rich cheesecake and adds a light, tangy contrast to its dense chocolate base.

Options for Customizing Black Forest Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Replace cookie crumbs with gluten-free chocolate graham crackers or almond flour mixed with cocoa powder for a celiac-friendly crust.
• Vegan Cherry Dream: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Cherry Delight: Use sugar-free dark chocolate, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and opt for fresh cherries instead of sugary canned filling to reduce overall sugar content.
• Keto-Friendly Chocolate Cherry Bliss: Create a crust using ground almonds or pecans, use cream cheese sweetened with erythritol, and incorporate sugar-free chocolate to maintain a low-carb profile.

Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake You’ll Remember

• The straightforward recipe uses simple ingredients and basic techniques, making it accessible for home bakers of all experience levels while delivering rich, luxurious taste.
• This decadent dessert impresses guests at dinner parties, birthdays, or holiday gatherings, offering a sophisticated twist on classic chocolate and cherry flavors that everyone will love.
• With just a few easy steps and minimal baking time, you can create a restaurant-quality dessert in under an hour, perfect for busy cooks seeking a delightful homemade treat.

Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful German black forest cheesecake blends rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and creamy mascarpone into an irresistible dessert. Sweet indulgence awaits with each heavenly slice that promises pure culinary bliss for passionate dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 8 ounces (225 g) semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 can (21 ounces/600 g) cherry pie filling

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (150 g) chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreos or chocolate graham crackers)
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream, cold
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon Kirsch (cherry liqueur) or 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Optional Garnish:

• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Fresh cherries

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Instructions

1. Crush chocolate cookies into fine, uniform crumbs and thoroughly combine with melted butter, creating a rich, cohesive base mixture.
2. Firmly compress the cookie mixture into the springform pan’s bottom, ensuring an even, compact layer that will provide a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake.
3. Briefly bake the crust until it sets and develops a slightly deeper color, then allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
4. Whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, carefully incorporating sugar and ensuring no lumps remain in the mixture.
5. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, mixing gently to maintain the cheesecake’s delicate texture and prevent overmixing.
6. Introduce cocoa powder and vanilla extract, stirring until the batter achieves a uniform, deep chocolate color with no streaks.
7. Pour the luxurious chocolate cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to eliminate any potential air pockets.
8. Place the springform pan inside a larger water bath to ensure even, gentle baking and prevent surface cracking.
9. Bake until the cheesecake’s center is almost set but still displays a slight wobble when gently shaken.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to complete setting.
11. Prepare the cherry topping by simmering fresh cherries with kirsch liqueur, creating a glossy, intense fruit compote.
12. Once completely chilled, garnish the cheesecake with the kirsch-infused cherry mixture and delicate chocolate shavings.
13. Release the springform pan’s sides and transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter, presenting a stunning dessert with layers of rich chocolate and bright cherry flavors.

Notes

• Choose dark chocolate cookie crumbs for a richer, more intense flavor profile that complements the black forest theme.
• Crush cookies completely to ensure a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly when slicing the cheesecake.
• Use unsalted butter to control the salt level and prevent the crust from becoming too salty or overpowering the delicate chocolate and cherry flavors.
• Consider gluten-free cookie alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free chocolate cookies for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same decadent texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 459
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 239 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg