Black Forest Cheesecake Bliss

Introduction

If you love cheesecake and cherries, then this Black Forest Cheesecake Bliss is for you! This dessert combines rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect if you want to impress your family and friends! It’s simple to make and tastes amazing. Plus, it’s a great dessert for weekends, holidays, or any time you want to celebrate with something special.

How to Make Black Forest Cheesecake Bliss

Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions so you can make this delicious cheesecake at home!

Ingredients

2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 cup melted dark chocolate
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp lemon juice
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings
Extra cherries

Directions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool completely.
Make the Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and mix well. Then, stir in the sour cream. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Finally, mix in the melted dark chocolate and vanilla extract until it’s creamy.
Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool, which helps prevent cracks. Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Cherry Filling: In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Let it cool completely.
Assemble and Serve: Once your cheesecake is chilled, top it with the cherry filling. Decorate it with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and extra cherries to make it beautiful!

How to Serve Black Forest Cheesecake Bliss

Serve this cheesecake chilled as a perfect dessert after dinner. It pairs well with coffee or tea, and the cherry topping adds a lovely touch!

How to Store Black Forest Cheesecake Bliss

Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Black Forest Cheesecake Bliss

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth batter.
Don’t rush the cooling time; letting it cool in the oven helps prevent cracks.
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of cherry juice to the cherry filling.

Variation

You can use different types of fruit for the topping. Fresh raspberries or strawberries work great if you want a change from cherries!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought cherry pie filling?
Yes, store-bought cherry pie filling is a great alternative if you want to save time!

2. How can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

3. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake is perfect for making a day in advance, and the flavors often improve overnight!