Black Forest Cheesecake
Introduction
Are you ready for a dessert that everyone will love? This Black Forest Cheesecake is the perfect choice! It combines creamy cheesecake with chocolate and cherries for a delightful treat that is hard to resist. This cake is sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering or special occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this Black Forest Cheesecake because it is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors is simply delicious! Creamy, rich, and filled with the yummy taste of chocolate and cherries, this cheesecake is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a fun weekend treat. Plus, it’s not too hard to make, and I love sharing it with my loved ones!
How to Make Black Forest Cheesecake
Making this cheesecake is straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic dessert ready to enjoy!
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the topping:
- 1 can cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to get started.
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In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter together. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a solid crust.
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Now, in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
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Add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to beat well after each addition. Next, mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until everything is fully combined.
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Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan and use a spatula to smooth the top.
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Bake the cheesecake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. After that, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about an hour.
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Once it cools, chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
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When you’re ready to serve, top the cheesecake with cherry pie filling and sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top.
How to Serve Black Forest Cheesecake
This cheesecake is best served chilled. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table. You can slice it into wedges and serve it on plates. Don’t forget to have extra cherry pie filling on the side for those who want more!
How to Store Black Forest Cheesecake
You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days, but trust me, it usually doesn’t last that long!
Tips to Make Black Forest Cheesecake
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. This step helps prevent lumps in your cheesecake.
- You can use regular cookies like Oreos for the crust if you want a different flavor.
- Allow your cheesecake to chill overnight for the best taste and texture.
Variation
If you’re up for it, you can mix in some chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for an extra chocolatey treat!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, fresh cherries work great! Just pit them and slice them before adding.
2. How can I tell if my cheesecake is done baking?
The edges should be set, and the center should still be slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.
3. Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can last up to a month in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to eat!