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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cherry Compote Development: Simmer fresh cherries with sugar, thickening with cornstarch until achieving a jam-like consistency. Cool completely to preserve vibrant flavor profile.
- Ganache Artistry: Heat cream and pour over dark chocolate, stirring until achieving a seamless, reflective finish.
- 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.
- 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