If you’re a dessert lover who enjoys rich, creamy textures combined with the luscious flavors of chocolate and fresh cherries, this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is going to be your new favorite indulgence. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or simply when you want to treat yourself, this cheesecake blends a chocolate cookie crust, a silky chocolate-infused cheesecake filling, and a vibrant cherry compote topping. Topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream, this dessert offers layers of flavor and texture that are absolutely irresistible.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to prepare this show-stopping dessert, including ingredient measurements, detailed step-by-step instructions, tips to perfect your cheesecake, and nutritional info so you can enjoy every bite mindfully.
Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need
For the Crust:
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1½ cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, finely crushed)
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ÂĽ cup unsalted butter, melted
The crust is a simple combination of crushed chocolate cookies and butter, creating a firm, flavorful base with a hint of sweetness and crunch. Using sandwich cookies with the cream filling gives extra richness, but you can omit the cream if you prefer a less sweet crust.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
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Âľ cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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4 oz semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
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½ cup sour cream
The filling is where the magic happens — rich cream cheese and sugar are whipped together for smoothness, eggs add structure, melted chocolate deepens the flavor, and sour cream ensures moistness and a tender texture.
For the Cherry Compote Topping:
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2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
The cherry compote adds a fresh, fruity brightness and a slight tartness that complements the rich chocolate perfectly. It thickens to a luscious sauce with the cornstarch.
For the Whipped Cream Garnish:
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream adds lightness and a creamy finishing touch, balancing the dense cheesecake and the sweet-tart cherries.
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix until crumbs are fully coated.
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Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a firm layer.
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Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
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Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
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Gradually add sugar and continue mixing until fully combined.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
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Mix in the vanilla extract.
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Slowly pour in the melted chocolate and mix until the batter is uniform in color.
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Finally, stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake
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Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
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Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will slightly jiggle when gently shaken.
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After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually, preventing cracks.
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Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature.
Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Compote
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In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
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Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream
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In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Final Assembly and Serving
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Once the cheesecake is fully cooled (preferably chilled in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight), spread the cherry compote evenly over the top.
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Pipe or dollop whipped cream around the edges or over the center as desired.
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Slice and serve chilled.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cheesecake
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Soften your cream cheese: This ensures the batter mixes smoothly without lumps. Let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before starting.
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Melt chocolate carefully: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning. Let it cool slightly before mixing into the batter.
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Avoid overmixing: Beat the eggs in gently; overmixing can cause cracks or a dense texture.
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Use a water bath (optional): Placing your springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water during baking helps prevent cracking by providing gentle, even heat.
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Cool gradually: Letting the cheesecake cool in the turned-off oven prevents sudden temperature changes that cause cracking.
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Use fresh or frozen cherries: No need to thaw frozen cherries before cooking the compote.
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Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to let flavors meld and improve texture.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
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Calories: 400 kcal
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Fat: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Protein: 6g
This decadent dessert is rich and satisfying, best enjoyed in moderation or shared among friends and family.
Why This Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a Must-Try
Combining the richness of chocolate and cream cheese with the tartness of cherry compote creates a balanced dessert that appeals to multiple taste preferences. The chocolate cookie crust adds texture, while the whipped cream topping adds a lightness that complements the dense cheesecake beautifully.
This recipe is versatile enough for holidays, birthdays, or weekend treats. It impresses guests with its layered flavors and elegant presentation but remains straightforward enough for home bakers of all skill levels.
Variations and Substitutions
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Crust: Substitute with graham cracker crumbs or chocolate wafer crumbs for a different flavor profile.
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Chocolate: Use dark or milk chocolate depending on your sweetness preference.
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Fruit topping: Swap cherries for raspberries, strawberries, or a mixed berry compote.
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Whipped cream: Try flavored whipped cream by adding cocoa powder or liqueurs like cherry brandy or amaretto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cheesecake ahead?
A: Yes! Cheesecakes benefit from resting overnight in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
Q: How to prevent cracks on the cheesecake?
A: Avoid overmixing, bake slowly, use a water bath if possible, and cool gradually.
Q: Can I freeze the cheesecake?
A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a dessert lover’s dream, offering layers of rich, creamy, and fruity deliciousness in every bite. Its stunning presentation and irresistible flavor make it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress or simply enjoy a decadent treat. Try this recipe, and you’ll see why it’s a crowd favorite!