Dreamy Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Smooth cream cheese meets luscious chocolate strawberry cheesecake in a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet berries dance through rich, velvety layers of decadent filling.

Creamy textures mingle with intense chocolate undertones, creating a spectacular treat.

Each slice tells a story of delicate flavor combinations.

Passionate bakers will adore the balance of tangy and sweet elements.

Seasonal strawberries add a vibrant pop of color and freshness.

You can craft this showstopping dessert that will make everyone swoon with delight.

What Makes Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake So Special

• Craft an Indulgent Dessert: Impress friends and family with a show-stopping cheesecake that combines rich chocolate and fresh strawberries in one decadent treat.
• Master Gourmet Techniques: Learn professional baking skills like creating smooth ganache, perfectly baked cheesecake, and fruit-infused toppings without complicated steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, dinner parties, or romantic desserts that appeal to both chocolate and fruit lovers with its luxurious texture and balanced flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust toppings to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

• Chocolate Graham Cracker Crumbs: A chocolatey base that provides a rich and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and creates a smooth texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy and tangy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Cocoa Powder: Contributes a deep chocolate flavor to the cheesecake.
• Fresh Strawberries: Adds a fresh, fruity element to the cheesecake.

• Strawberries, Granulated Sugar, Cornstarch, Water: Create a sweet and glossy strawberry topping with a thick consistency.
• Heavy Cream, Dark Chocolate Chips: Combine to make a rich and smooth chocolate ganache drizzle.

Step-by-Step Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Crush chocolate graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased springform pan, creating a solid base for the cheesecake.

Step 2: Create the Cheesecake Batter

• Sour cream
• Eggs (one at a time)
• Vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder

Gently fold in fresh chopped strawberries, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the batter into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 325°F. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center sets firmly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Remove the cheesecake from the oven. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect texture.

Step 5: Prepare Strawberry Topping

Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. Let the topping cool completely.

Step 6: Make Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add dark chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Spread the cooled strawberry topping over the chilled cheesecake. Drizzle the luxurious chocolate ganache on top. Slice and serve this decadent dessert to eager guests.

Pro Tips for Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Success

• Prevent Cracking Secrets: Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
• Master Crust Perfection: Press the chocolate graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid, compact base that won't fall apart.
• Strawberry Incorporation Trick: Gently fold chopped strawberries into the batter to prevent them from sinking and distribute them evenly throughout the cheesecake.
• Slow Cooling Method: Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open after baking to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
• Ganache Glossy Finish: Let chocolate chips sit in hot cream for exactly 5 minutes before stirring to achieve a perfectly smooth and shiny chocolate drizzle.

Delicious Variations of Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Berry Bliss: Swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version. Use certified gluten-free ingredients throughout the recipe.
• Low-Carb Chocolate Dream: Replace granulated sugar with erythritol or stevia. Use almond flour for the crust and add extra cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor. Reduce strawberry quantity to lower carbohydrate content.
• Vegan Strawberry Sensation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Replace eggs with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer. Select dark vegan chocolate for ganache.
• No-Bake Chilled Delight: Skip baking entirely by using gelatin or agar-agar to set the cheesecake.

Ideal Pairings for Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

• Pair Champagne with Chocolatey Delight: Select a crisp, slightly sweet champagne that complements the rich chocolate and tangy strawberry flavors, cutting through the creamy cheesecake while enhancing its decadent profile.
• Create Red Wine Romance: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with soft berry notes that perfectly mirrors the strawberry elements and provides a smooth contrast to the chocolate's intensity.
• Craft Dessert Cocktail Experience: Mix a strawberry martini with vodka, fresh strawberry puree, and a hint of chocolate liqueur to echo the cheesecake's complex flavor layers, creating a playful and sophisticated pairing.
• Design Coffee Companion: Brew a smooth espresso or French press coffee with subtle chocolate undertones to balance the sweetness and provide a robust counterpoint to the creamy cheesecake texture.

Storage Guidelines for Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

• Store tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep cheesecake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let refrigerated slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For warm serving, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds to prevent texture breakdown.
• If ganache hardens, gently warm in microwave for 5-10 seconds or place slice at room temperature for 10 minutes to restore smooth consistency.

FAQs About Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing the batter, use room temperature ingredients, and bake in a water bath. The slow, gentle heating helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain them completely first. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which could make your cheesecake watery. Fresh strawberries are always preferred for the best flavor and texture.

• What type of chocolate works best for the ganache?

Dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content gives the richest flavor. High-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars work perfectly for creating a smooth, glossy ganache.

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 40 minutes to overnight (including chilling time)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sinful chocolate strawberry cheesecake beckons dessert enthusiasts with its luscious layers of creamy indulgence. Rich chocolate graham cracker crust cradles silky cream cheese filling, crowned with fresh strawberry glaze that promises pure bliss for passionate sweet seekers.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Topping and Garnish:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup chocolate ganache
• 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing and preheat the oven to 325F (165C).
2. Combine chocolate graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the pan’s base to create a compact crust.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream together cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate sour cream, then add eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.
4. Blend cocoa powder and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, creating a rich chocolate base. Delicately fold chopped strawberries throughout the batter.
5. Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crust, ensuring a uniform surface.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center sets with minimal jiggle. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour to prevent cracking.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight for optimal texture.
8. Create strawberry topping by simmering sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened and glossy. Cool completely.
9. Prepare chocolate ganache by heating cream until it simmers, then removing from heat and adding dark chocolate chips. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and lustrous.
10. Once chilled, generously spread the strawberry topping over the cheesecake and elegantly drizzle chocolate ganache on top.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking: Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and gently fold ingredients to maintain a smooth, crack-free surface.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a silky, lump-free mixture.
• Water Bath Option: Place the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water during baking to create even, gentle heat and prevent surface cracks.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap chocolate graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 157
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 38 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg