The Black Forest Cheesecake is a luscious, decadent dessert that beautifully combines the richness of chocolate with the bright, tangy flavor of cherries. This indulgent treat is inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, giving it a cheesecake twist that elevates it to the next level. Each bite offers a luxurious blend of creamy, chocolatey goodness topped with a sweet cherry compote, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Why We Love This Recipe
This Black Forest Cheesecake has a unique and irresistible charm, bringing together two iconic desserts into one unforgettable experience. The chocolate cheesecake layer is velvety and rich, enhanced by the slight bitterness of semi-sweet chocolate. Paired with the juicy, tart black cherry topping, it achieves a perfect balance of flavors. What makes this recipe even more special is its simplicity – no need to be a professional baker to get it right!
Moreover, it’s a visually stunning dessert, with its glossy cherry topping and chocolate shavings that make it an impressive addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this Black Forest Cheesecake is bound to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
For the Black Cherry Topping
- 2 cups canned or fresh black cherries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnish
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh cherries
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and fluffy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Overbeating can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
- Mix in Sour Cream and Melted Chocolate: Finally, add the sour cream and melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until the mixture is silky and evenly colored with the chocolate.
Step 2: Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour and Smooth the Filling: Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. The cheesecake is ready when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour. This gentle cooling process helps prevent cracks.
- Refrigerate: After it’s fully cooled, cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
Step 3: Prepare the Black Cherry Topping
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the black cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then pour it into the cherry mixture.
- Cook Until Thickened: Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble and Garnish
- Add Cherry Topping: Once the cheesecake has chilled, spread the black cherry topping evenly over the surface.
- Garnish: For an elegant finish, top the cheesecake with chocolate shavings or curls and a few fresh cherries.
Success Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature. This will prevent lumps in the filling and create a smoother texture.
- Use a Water Bath: If you want to avoid cracks in your cheesecake, bake it in a water bath. Wrap the springform pan with foil to prevent leaks, and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water.
- Cool Gradually: Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks, so let your cheesecake cool slowly in the oven before refrigerating.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors develop further over time, making it even tastier!
- Freeze: If you want to make it ahead, you can freeze the cheesecake (without the cherry topping) for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and add the topping before serving.
Notes
- Chocolate Quality: Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor. Cheap chocolate can affect the taste and texture.
- Substitute Cherries: If you can’t find black cherries, regular sweet cherries or even a cherry pie filling can be used.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar in the cherry topping if you prefer it sweeter or more tart.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of the cheesecake)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 35g
- Protein: 8g
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Please note that nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: For the creamiest texture and best taste, it’s recommended to use full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat options may affect the consistency of the cheesecake.
Q: Can I make this cheesecake without chocolate?
A: If you’d like to make a traditional cherry cheesecake without chocolate, simply omit the melted chocolate from the filling.
Q: What other toppings go well with this cheesecake?
A: While black cherry is classic for a Black Forest flavor, other berry toppings like raspberry or blueberry work well. You can also drizzle chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent touch.
Conclusion
This Black Forest Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. With its creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, vibrant cherry topping, and delicate garnish of chocolate shavings and fresh cherries, it’s a dessert that will captivate both the eyes and taste buds. Perfect for any celebration or when you simply want to indulge, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Enjoy a slice of this decadent treat, and savor the delightful contrast of flavors in every bite!