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Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 111 reviews

This Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake combines a rich chocolate cookie crust with a creamy cocoa-infused cheesecake filling, topped optionally with cherry pie filling and whipped cream. Baked in a water bath for a smooth, velvety texture, this indulgent dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream with a classic Black Forest twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 ounces (680 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) cocoa powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 8 ounces (225 g) semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Kirsch or 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Topping

  • 1 can (21 oz/600 g) cherry pie filling (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional garnish: Chocolate shavings or curls and fresh cherries

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure easy removal of the cheesecake later.
  2. Make the Crust: Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
  3. Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely to avoid sogginess when adding the filling.
  4. Prepare Cheesecake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the cocoa powder and mix thoroughly to incorporate the chocolate flavor evenly.
  5. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Then stir in the melted semisweet chocolate, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and if using, Kirsch or almond extract for additional depth of flavor.
  6. Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
  7. Set up Water Bath: Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath helps bake the cheesecake gently and evenly.
  8. Bake Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60–70 minutes. The edges should be set while the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken, indicating perfect doneness.
  9. Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour. This reduces the risk of cracking from a sudden temperature change.
  10. Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set firmly before serving.
  11. Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Just before serving, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cheesecake and garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries as desired.
  12. Serve: Spoon the optional cherry pie filling over the cheesecake or serve it on the side for a classic Black Forest finishing touch.

Notes

  • Using a water bath prevents cracking and ensures a smooth, creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Make sure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature for easier mixing and a better batter consistency.
  • You can substitute Kirsch with almond extract if preferred or omit both for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Chilling the cheesecake overnight significantly improves the flavor and texture.
  • The cherry pie filling is optional but adds the classic Black Forest cherry flavor.
  • Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Keywords: Black Forest cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, cherry cheesecake, baked cheesecake, dessert recipe, creamy cheesecake

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/decadent-black-forest-cheesecake-recipe/