Heavenly Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Rich dark chocolate cherry cheesecake whispers decadence from the moment you glimpse its glossy surface.

Layers of velvety cream cheese blend seamlessly with intense cocoa notes.

Sweet cherries dance through each luxurious slice, creating unexpected bursts of fruity brightness.

Creamy textures mingle with deep chocolate undertones that promise pure indulgence.

Delicate yet bold, this dessert captures sophisticated comfort in every single bite.

Classic techniques meet modern flair for a truly memorable experience.

We promise this recipe will spark pure culinary joy and tempt even the most discerning palate.

Why Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Is a Luxurious Treat

• Craft Decadent Dessert: This dark chocolate cherry cheesecake transforms ordinary baking into a gourmet experience with luxurious ingredients and stunning presentation.
• Impress Guests Effortlessly: The recipe looks complicated but actually requires basic mixing and baking skills, making it perfect for home bakers wanting to create a professional-looking dessert.
• Customize with Creativity: Swap cherries for different fruits or adjust chocolate intensity to match personal taste preferences, giving the recipe flexible appeal for various palates.
• Master Make-Ahead Magic: This cheesecake can be prepared in advance, allowing stress-free entertaining and giving hosts more time to enjoy their gathering without last-minute kitchen chaos.

Ingredients Needed for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: A rich and chocolatey base that provides a delicious 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, compact texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy and smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a rich, velvety consistency.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Dark Chocolate: Adds a deep, intense chocolate flavor to the cheesecake.

• Cherries, Granulated Sugar, Cornstarch, Water: These ingredients combine to create a thick, glossy cherry sauce that adds a fruity and sweet layer to the cheesecake.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 325F (165C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Chocolatey Crust

• Chocolate cookie crumbs
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for the cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and granulated sugar until silky smooth. Gradually add sour cream. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Gently fold in vanilla extract and melted dark chocolate until the mixture is completely uniform.

Step 4: Pour and Smooth the Batter

Transfer the cheesecake batter over the chocolate crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any air pockets.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for an additional hour. This helps prevent cracking and ensures a creamy texture.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Luscious Cherry Topping

• Cherries
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Water

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. Allow the topping to cool to room temperature.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Spread the cooled cherry topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Slice and serve chilled for a decadent dessert that will impress any chocolate and cherry lover.

Expert Tips for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Choose Premium Chocolate: Select high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for richer, more intense flavor that elevates the entire cheesecake.
• Prevent Cracks Perfectly: Create a water bath by placing the springform pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water to ensure smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to achieve ultra-smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
• Gentle Cooling Technique: Leave cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open after baking to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause surface cracking.

Variation Ideas for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake: Replace chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. Use gluten-free certified ingredients to ensure safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Cherry Delight: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of eggs, and replace butter with coconut oil. Select dairy-free dark chocolate for the base.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Option: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free dark chocolate and reduce cherry topping sugar content. Consider fresh cherries for natural sweetness.
• No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake: Skip baking process entirely. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.

Best Pairings for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the dark chocolate's rich intensity and matches the cheesecake's decadent flavor profile.
• Complement with Coffee Liqueur: Drizzle Kahlúa or Tia Maria around the cheesecake slice to enhance the chocolate and cherry notes, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Match with Espresso Martini: Serve a chilled espresso martini alongside the cheesecake to provide a complementary bittersweet contrast and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Elevate with Kirsch Liqueur: Add a small shot of cherry brandy (Kirsch) to intensify the cherry flavor and create a luxurious pairing that highlights the dessert's fruity undertones.

Storage Advice for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring the top remains untouched to preserve the cherry topping's appearance.
• Wrap the entire cheesecake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before enjoying.
• Bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• What ingredients make the crust special?

The crust combines chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, creating a rich, crumbly base that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly. This typically takes 50-60 minutes in the oven at 325F (165C).

• Why is the oven-cooling method important?

Leaving the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open after baking helps prevent cracking and ensures a smooth, creamy texture by cooling it gradually.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: At least 5 hours 10 minutes (including cooling, chilling, and topping preparation)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent dark chocolate cherry cheesecake delivers a luxurious dance of rich cocoa and sweet cherries on a velvety canvas. Rich chocolate meets tangy cherries in this irresistible dessert you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Crust Ingredients:

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

Topping and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
• 1/4 cup cherry preserves
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing its surface and preheating the oven to 325F (165C).
2. Create the chocolate cookie crust by thoroughly mixing cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then firmly pressing the mixture into the pan’s bottom to form a compact base.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky smooth consistency, gradually incorporating sour cream and eggs while ensuring each addition is fully integrated.
4. Gently fold melted dark chocolate and vanilla extract into the creamy mixture, stirring until the batter becomes uniformly rich and glossy.
5. Carefully pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and eliminate any potential air pockets.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the center sets with a slight gentle wobble when lightly shaken.
7. After baking, turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour, facilitating gradual cooling and preventing surface cracking.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight.
9. Prepare the cherry topping by combining cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan, cooking over medium heat and stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
10. Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, generously spread the cooled cherry topping across the surface, creating a vibrant and luscious finish.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and prevent cracking during baking.
• Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath baking method, which helps create a creamy texture.
• For gluten-free option, replace chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based crust.
• Control cherry topping sweetness by adjusting sugar or using fresh cherries for a more tart, natural flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 153
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 37 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg