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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing and preheat the oven to 325F (165C).
- 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.
- 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.
- Blend cocoa powder and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, creating a rich chocolate base. Delicately fold chopped strawberries throughout the batter.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crust, ensuring a uniform surface.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight for optimal texture.
- Create strawberry topping by simmering sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened and glossy. Cool completely.
- 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.
- 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