Description
Rich chocolate cheesecake blends creamy Philadelphia cream cheese with dark chocolate for an indulgent dessert. Luxurious layers of chocolate ganache and fresh cherries complete this irresistible sweet experience you will savor with delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g (1.1 lb) cream cheese
- 300 g (10.6 oz) cherries
- 3 large eggs
- 200 g (7 oz) chocolate cookie crumbs
- 150 g (5.3 oz) granulated sugar
- 120 ml (4 fl oz) sour cream
- 120 g (4.2 oz) dark chocolate
- 75 g (2.6 oz) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize chocolate cookies into fine crumbs, thoroughly mixing with melted butter to create a cohesive base, then press evenly into a springform pan.
- Initial Baking: Position the crust in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) and bake for 10 minutes until golden and set, then allow to cool completely.
- Filling Creation: In a large bowl, whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually blending in sugar until light and airy, then incorporate eggs one at a time to maintain a silky texture.
- Chocolate Integration: Gently fold in vanilla extract and melted chocolate, ensuring a uniform, rich filling that will create a decadent cheesecake experience.
- Baking Process: Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface and eliminating potential air pockets by gently tapping the pan, then bake until the center is barely set but still slightly trembling.
- Cooling Technique: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open to prevent surface cracking, allowing for a gradual temperature reduction.
- Chilling and Garnishing: Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours or overnight, then adorn with fresh cherries and delicate chocolate shavings just before serving for an elegant final presentation.
Notes
- Prevent Crust Crumbling: Use melted butter generously and press cookie crumbs firmly to create a compact, stable base that holds together perfectly when slicing.
- Control Cheesecake Texture: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps and achieve a smooth, silky consistency without overmixing, which can introduce air bubbles.
- Avoid Cracking Techniques: Use a water bath or gradual cooling method by leaving the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes that cause surface cracks.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Incorporate a small pinch of salt or espresso powder into the chocolate to intensify the rich chocolate notes and create a more complex flavor profile in the cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg