Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

The Ultimate Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet dreams come alive with a decadent cherry chocolate cheesecake that promises pure indulgence.

Creamy layers of rich chocolate meld perfectly with bright, tangy cherries.

Dessert lovers will swoon over this luxurious treat that combines classic flavors in a stunning presentation.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Silky smooth cream cheese creates a velvety base for intense chocolate and bursts of fresh cherry.

Elegant yet approachable, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible masterpiece that guarantees smiles around the table.

Perks Of Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

  • Quick and Easy Indulgence: Whip up this stunning dessert with minimal baking skills required, perfect for novice bakers wanting to impress.
  • Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Combines rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and vibrant cherries that will wow guests at dinner parties or family gatherings.
  • Time-Saving Delight: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps mean you can create a gourmet-looking dessert in under two hours of total preparation and cooling time.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared entirely in advance, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining and giving you more time to enjoy with your guests.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Cooking List

Crust Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: Provides a rich, chocolatey base for the cheesecake, with deep flavor and crumbly texture.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds richness.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy foundation of the cheesecake, best when softened at room temperature.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth, balanced flavor.
  • Large Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly, room temperature eggs work best.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor that complements the chocolate.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a subtle tanginess.
  • Dark Chocolate: Melted chocolate that intensifies the chocolate flavor throughout the filling.
Topping/Garnish Ingredients:
  • Cherries: (Not specified in original recipe, but implied by the name) Fresh or preserved cherries add a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate cheesecake.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Prep Path

Step 1: Craft Chocolate Cookie Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F.

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.

Remove and allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until silky smooth.

Gradually add sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

Introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring each is completely blended before adding the next.

Gently fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, and melted chocolate.

Mix until the filling becomes uniform and luxuriously glossy.

Step 3: Bake To Perfection

Pour the chocolate cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly.

Place in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes.

The center should be slightly jiggly but set.

Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually and prevent cracking.

Step 4: Chill And Decorate

Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.

Before serving, generously top with vibrant cherry pie filling.

Garnish with fresh, plump cherries for an extra burst of flavor and elegant presentation.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake With Expert Swirl and Bake Tips

  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to reduce air bubbles that cause surface cracks during baking.
  • Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open after baking to prevent sudden temperature changes that lead to splitting.
  • Use chocolate wafer cookies or chocolate graham crackers for a rich, deep crust that complements the cherry and chocolate flavors.
  • Replace canned cherry pie filling with fresh cherry compote or homemade cherry sauce for a more vibrant and less sugary topping.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content to intensify the rich chocolate flavor in the cheesecake filling.

Store Chocolate Cheesecake And Chill Again

  • Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent a dry or rubbery consistency.
  • Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the flavor.

What Complements Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Pair with Rich Red Wine: Select a bold, fruity red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the chocolate and cherry flavors, enhancing the dessert's decadent profile.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cheesecake, creating a cool contrast to the rich chocolate and providing a smooth, refreshing texture.
  • Match with Espresso or Strong Coffee: Brew a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the cheesecake's richness and highlight the deep chocolate undertones, creating a classic dessert pairing.
  • Accompany with Champagne: Choose a sweet sparkling wine or Champagne to add effervescence and lightness, balancing the dense cheesecake and bringing out the bright cherry notes.

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake with Rich Crust Options

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or almond flour-based crust. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for all components.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Replace eggs with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer. Use dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar. Select dark chocolate with minimal added sugar. Top with fresh cherries instead of sweetened pie filling.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Swap cream cheese for coconut cream-based cheese alternative. Use coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate. Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt for creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers work well as alternatives to chocolate cookie crumbs.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake in a water bath, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes.

  • Is it possible to make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before adding the cherry topping.

  • Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake (without the cherry topping) for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet dreams arrive with this cherry chocolate cheesecake, a luscious dessert blending rich cocoa and tangy cherries. Creamy layers melt into pure indulgence, promising a delectable journey you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) melted dark chocolate
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) chocolate cookie crumbs

Instructions

  1. Create a crumbly foundation by pulverizing chocolate cookies and binding them with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan’s base, ensuring an even layer. Briefly toast the crust in the oven at 325°F for approximately 10 minutes to solidify its structure.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
  3. Infuse the mixture with rich flavor by folding in vanilla extract, velvety sour cream, and decadent melted chocolate. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly without overmixing.
  4. Transfer the luxurious filling onto the pre-baked crust, creating a uniform surface. Position the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, monitoring until the center sets with a gentle wobble.
  5. After baking, switch off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest inside with the door slightly ajar, preventing sudden temperature changes that might cause cracking.
  6. Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, enabling it to firm and develop a rich, dense texture. Before serving, generously crown the dessert with vibrant cherry pie filling and scatter fresh cherries for a burst of fruity elegance.

Notes

  • Adjust the chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Control moisture by patting fresh cherries dry before adding to prevent watery topping.
  • Prevent cracking by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by incorporating a splash of cherry liqueur or almond extract into the filling for deeper taste dimensions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 386
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star