Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

There's a certain magic that happens when chocolate and cherries come together, creating a symphony of flavor that is both rich and refreshing. The combination of luscious chocolate and tart cherries is a classic that never fails to impress, and when transformed into a cheesecake, it becomes a dessert that is truly unforgettable. This Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that will captivate the senses of chocolate lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts alike.

Calling all dessert lovers! Indulge in this Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake that flawlessly combines rich chocolate with tart cherries for an unforgettable treat. Imagine a creamy cheesecake filling atop a chocolate graham cracker crust, crowned with cherry pie filling and finished with glossy chocolate ganache. With easy-to-follow steps, you can create this show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Impress your friends and family with every delicious slice!

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

24 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries)

For the chocolate ganache topping:

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Fresh cherries for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the crust:

- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

- In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.

- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.

Make the cheesecake filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.

- Gently fold in the melted chocolate until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Spoon in half of the cherry pie filling, then gently swirl with a knife. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top and finish with the rest of the cherry filling. Make sure to leave some visible cherries on top for a beautiful presentation.

Bake the cheesecake:

- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle (it will firm up as it cools).

- Once done, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.

Prepare the ganache:

- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Finish the cheesecake:

- Once the cheesecake has completely cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to set completely.

Serve:

- Before serving, garnish with fresh cherries on top. Slice and enjoy this rich, creamy chocolate cherry cheesecake!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 6 hrs | 12 servings