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This Black Forest Cheesecake combines the rich, velvety texture of chocolate cheesecake with the sweet-tart burst of cherry topping—all nestled on a buttery chocolate cookie crust. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or when you want to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No water bath needed—creamy texture guaranteed
Balanced flavors—dark chocolate + bright cherries
Stunning presentation—whipped cream & chocolate shavings make it party-ready
Make-ahead friendly—tastes even better the next day
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1½ cups crushed chocolate cookies (Oreos or chocolate graham crackers)
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (Dutch-process for richer flavor)
For the Topping
- 1 can cherry pie filling (or homemade compote)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings (use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix crushed cookies + melted butter, then press into a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then cool.
2. Make the Filling
- Beat cream cheese + sugar + vanilla until smooth (~3 min).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in sour cream + cocoa powder (don’t overmix).
3. Bake & Cool
- Pour filling over crust. Bake 55-60 min until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks.
4. Top & Chill
- Spread cherry pie filling over cooled cheesecake.
- Refrigerate 4+ hours (overnight best).
5. Garnish & Serve
- Pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edges.
- Sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
- Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts.
Pro Tips
Room-temperature ingredients prevent lumps.
For boozy cherries, simmer pie filling with 1 tbsp Kirsch (cherry liqueur).
No springform pan? Use a regular cake pan lined with parchment.
Time Guide
- Prep: 20 min
- Bake: 60 min
- Cooling: 5+ hrs
- Total: 6+ hrs
- Servings: 12
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with coffee or dessert wine.
- Add fresh cherries for extra elegance.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for contrast.
#BlackForestCheesecake #ChocolateLover #DecadentDesserts
Tag @LivelyDish if you make this! Want a gluten-free version? Just ask!
Fun Fact: Traditional Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) hails from Germany’s Black Forest region—this cheesecake is a delicious twist on that classic!