Indulgent Rich Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe For Sweet Tooths

Decadent chocolate and luscious cherries dance together in this irresistible Black Forest cheesecake recipe that promises pure dessert magic.

The classic German black forest cake inspired our creamy cheesecake creation with its indulgent layers of flavor.

Silky smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with deep cocoa notes and sweet cherry compote.

Chocolate cookie crumbs form a delectable base that cradles this luxurious dessert.

Each slice offers a delightful harmony of textures and rich flavors that will enchant chocolate lovers.

The combination of velvety cheesecake and tart cherries creates a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

Prepare to savor every heavenly bite of this show-stopping Black Forest cheesecake.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 352 kcal

Servings: 12

Sweet Ingredients for the Cheesecake Symphony

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: Select dark, rich cookies for intense chocolate flavor that complements the cheesecake's decadence.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides binding and rich undertones, helping create a sturdy and delectable foundation.

• Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for silky, luxurious texture and maximum smoothness.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds perfect sweetness to the filling.
• Large Eggs: Ensure room temperature eggs for seamless integration and smooth consistency.
• Sour Cream: Introduces tangy depth and ensures an ultra-creamy, velvety cheesecake texture.
• Dark Chocolate: Select high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for robust, deep chocolate essence.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and adds warm, aromatic undertones.

• Fresh Cherries: Choose plump, deep red cherries for vibrant color and genuine fruity burst.
• Cornstarch: Creates smooth, glossy cherry sauce with perfect thickening properties.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers rich, luxurious base for silky ganache with intense chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate: Use premium dark or semi-sweet chocolate for elegant, glossy ganache finish.
• Whipped Cream: Optional garnish that adds light, airy contrast to dense cheesecake.

Tools to Make That Black Forest Cheesecake Shine

• Springform pan: Essential 9-inch pan with removable sides for easy cheesecake removal.
• Mixing bowls: Large bowl for cheesecake filling, smaller bowl for crust mixture.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese smooth and incorporating ingredients.
• Baking dish: Larger pan for creating water bath during baking.
• Saucepan: For cooking cherries and preparing ganache.
• Spatula: Helps spread ganache and smooth cheesecake surface.
• Parchment paper: Prevents crust from sticking to pan bottom.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing cornstarch slurry and incorporating ingredients.

Let’s Craft This Layered Dessert Showstopper

• Craft a Crispy Chocolate Base

Preheat the oven and grab your springform pan. Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation for your decadent dessert. Bake briefly to set the crust and let it cool completely.

• Whip Up a Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar. Gently fold in eggs one by one, ensuring a luxurious texture. Swirl in melted chocolate, sour cream, and a splash of vanilla to create a rich, velvety mixture that promises pure indulgence.

• Orchestrate the Perfect Bake

Pour the luscious filling over the cooled crust. Create a warm water bath to protect your cheesecake from cracking. Bake until the edges are firm but the center maintains a gentle wobble. Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly inside the oven, developing its signature creamy consistency.

• Create a Luscious Cherry Topping

Simmer fresh cherries with a touch of sweetness. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch mixture, transforming the fruit into a glossy, vibrant compote that will crown your masterpiece.

• Drizzle with Decadent Chocolate Ganache

Warm cream and pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until the mixture becomes a silky, glossy river of pure chocolate bliss. This luxurious layer will elevate your cheesecake to extraordinary heights.

• Assemble and Chill Your Masterpiece

Spread the cherry topping across the cheesecake’s surface. Cascade the chocolate ganache over the cherries, creating a stunning visual and flavor symphony. Refrigerate for several hours to let the flavors meld and set.

• Final Flourish

Before serving, add a cloud of whipped cream, scatter fresh cherries, or sprinkle chocolate shavings. Your Black Forest Cheesecake is ready to wow and delight!

Tips for That Perfect Cheesecake Bite

• Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Mastery Tips
• Crack-Free Technique: Prevent cheesecake surface cracks by using a water bath and avoiding overmixing. Gently fold ingredients and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven to minimize temperature shock.
• Ingredient Temperature Magic: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother, more uniform cheesecake texture and prevents lumpy batter.
• Cherry Flavor Boost: Enhance the cherry flavor by adding a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) to the topping or mixing some cherry preserves into the cheesecake filling for deeper fruity notes.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or ground almond flour. Use gluten-free cornstarch for the cherry topping to make the entire dessert celiac-friendly.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and add fresh garnishes just before serving to maintain optimal texture and appearance.

Plating the Cheesecake Symphony Like a Pro

• Cherry Chocolate Lovers' Paradise: Serve slices with extra fresh cherries scattered around the plate, creating a vibrant color contrast and adding burst of fruity freshness.
• Whipped Cream Cloud Topping: Pipe elegant swirls of homemade whipped cream along the cheesecake edges, garnishing with chocolate shavings for an elegant, decadent presentation.
• Coffee Companion Pairing: Accompany each slice with a small espresso or rich dark roast coffee, which complements the deep chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully.
• Dessert Wine Elegance: Pair with a sweet German Riesling or ruby port wine to enhance the Black Forest cake-inspired dessert's sophisticated flavor profile.

Storage Tips to Preserve That Richness

• Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly. Optimal cooling helps develop rich, deep taste profiles.
• Slice and Store Technique: Cut the cheesecake into individual portions before storing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap or place in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor restoration.
• Leftover Love Hack: Store remaining cheesecake in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Always keep covered to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other refrigerator odors. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the cut surface to maintain moisture and prevent drying.

Rich Black Forest Cheesecake

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rich black forest cheesecake symphony blends German chocolate cake traditions with creamy Philadelphia-style decadence. Chocolate layers, kirsch-soaked cherries, and silky cream provide a luxurious dessert experience you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 8 oz (225 g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (200 g) chocolate cookie crumbs
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups (350 g) cherry pie filling or fresh pitted cherries
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsps water
• 6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• Whipped cream
• Fresh cherries
• Chocolate shavings

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Blend chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, pressing firmly into a parchment-lined springform pan. Toast at 325F (165C) for 10 minutes to develop a crisp, stable foundation.
2. Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Integrate eggs systematically, ensuring complete incorporation between additions. Fold in sour cream, melted chocolate, and vanilla extract, maintaining a glossy, uniform texture.
3. Baking Technique: Pour filling into prepared crust, positioning pan within a water bath. Bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring for subtle center jiggling and firm edges. Allow gradual cooling inside the oven with door slightly ajar to prevent surface cracking.
4. Cherry Compote Development: Simmer fresh cherries with sugar, thickening with cornstarch until achieving a jam-like consistency. Cool completely to preserve vibrant flavor profile.
5. Ganache Artistry: Heat cream and pour over dark chocolate, stirring until achieving a seamless, reflective finish.
6. Final Assembly: Distribute cooled cherry compote across the cheesecake surface, drizzling ganache in an elegant pattern. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to set flavors and texture.
7. Presentation: Garnish with delicate whipped cream, fresh cherries, or chocolate shavings before serving. Allow cheesecake to reach slightly cool room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking Technique: Use a water bath during baking to create gentle, even heat distribution, which prevents surface cracks and maintains a smooth cheesecake texture.
• Temperature Control Strategy: Allow cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven with door slightly open, preventing sudden temperature changes that can cause structural breakdown.
• Mixing Mastery: Whip cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth, then add eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough incorporation without overmixing to maintain a silky, light consistency.
• Flavor Depth Enhancement: Toast cookie crumb crust briefly before adding filling to develop deeper, more complex chocolate undertones and improve overall structural integrity of the dessert base.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg