Feast your eyes (and taste buds) on this stunning Black Forest Cheesecake! This dessert masterfully combines the richness of chocolate with the creamy tang of cheesecake and the bright, juicy burst of cherries. Each layer brings its own indulgent charm: a chocolate cookie crust, luscious cheesecake filling, and a dark chocolate ganache topping finished with vibrant cherries.
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a birthday, or simply a weekend treat, this chocolate lover’s dream cake will win hearts. It’s a decadent, elegant dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make—and unforgettable once you take that first bite.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
For the Ganache Topping:
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
For Garnish:
Cherry pie filling or fresh cherries
Shaved chocolate or curls (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until well incorporated. Add sour cream, vanilla, and eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Gently fold in the melted chocolate.Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Tap gently to remove air bubbles. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the center is just set. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.Prepare the Ganache
Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Let cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake.Garnish and Serve
Spoon cherry pie filling or fresh cherries on top. Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour
Cooling & Chilling Time: 5 hours minimum
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
Don’t overmix the batter; it can cause cracks.
Let the cheesecake cool slowly to avoid splitting.
For cleaner slices, use a warm knife and wipe between cuts.
Make the ganache just before pouring to get a perfect glossy layer.