Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that pairs the rich, creamy texture of chocolate-infused cheesecake with the bright, fruity sweetness of cherry pie filling. With a crisp chocolate cookie crust and a luxurious topping of whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this cheesecake is a perfect centerpiece for any celebration or a special treat to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesecake offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures—from the crunchy chocolate cookie base to the smooth and velvety chocolate cheesecake filling, crowned with juicy cherries and airy whipped cream. Despite its impressive presentation, the recipe is straightforward to follow and yields consistent, delicious results. It’s ideal for entertaining, holidays, or anytime you want a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust
1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies
¼ cup melted butter

For the cheesecake filling
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup cocoa powder

For the topping
1 can cherry pie filling
whipped cream, for garnish
chocolate shavings, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and mix until combined. Add the vanilla extract.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the sour cream and cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for 55-60 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
Once chilled, spread cherry pie filling over the top. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 servings.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Cooling and chilling time: at least 5 hours
Total time: about 6 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

Use dark chocolate cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Replace cherry pie filling with fresh berries or raspberry sauce.
Add a splash of almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Create a marble effect by swirling plain and chocolate cheesecake batters together.
Use chocolate graham crackers or Oreos for the crust for variation.

Storage/reheating

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, wrap slices or the entire cheesecake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This cheesecake is best served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different crust for this cheesecake?

Yes, graham cracker crust or vanilla wafer crust also work well with this filling.

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open and avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust.

Is it possible to make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, it is ideal to make the cheesecake a day in advance so it can chill and set fully.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, you can make a simple cherry compote with fresh cherries, sugar, and a little cornstarch.

What type of cocoa powder is best?

Use unsweetened cocoa powder, either natural or Dutch-process, depending on your flavor preference.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.

Can I make mini cheesecakes with this recipe?

Yes, use muffin tins lined with paper liners and reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.

What tools do I need for this recipe?

A 9-inch springform pan and an electric mixer are recommended for best results.

Can I skip the whipped cream garnish?

Yes, the whipped cream is optional, but it adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich cheesecake.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a showstopping dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and cherry in a silky, smooth cheesecake. With its chocolate cookie crust, creamy filling, and vibrant topping, it is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering or as an indulgent treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress.

[tasty-recipe id=”15456″]