This Black Forest Cheesecake combines everything you love about the traditional Black Forest dessert—dark chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries—in one stunning and indulgent treat. With a luscious chocolate cookie crust, silky chocolate-infused cheesecake filling, and a glossy cherry topping, this dessert is guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Crust
1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
4 tbsp melted butter
For the Cheesecake
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup melted dark chocolate
For the Topping
1 can cherry pie filling
Chocolate shavings
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble damp sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a glass to pack it tightly—this helps create a sturdy crust.
Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides to avoid lumps.
Add the sugar and mix until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks.
Mix in the vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
Add the melted dark chocolate and fold it in until fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth, velvety, and chocolatey.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top.
Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake for 45–55 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks.
After an hour, remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Once fully chilled, spoon the cherry pie filling over the top of the cheesecake, spreading evenly.
Finish with chocolate shavings for an elegant, decadent touch.
Tips for a Perfect Black Forest Cheesecake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Soft cream cheese and room-temperature eggs ensure a silky-smooth batter.
Avoid Overbaking
A slight jiggle in the center means the cheesecake will be creamy once cooled.
Cool Gradually
Slow cooling prevents cracks and keeps the texture perfectly smooth.
Add Extra Chocolate
For an even richer cheesecake, fold in mini chocolate chips before baking.
Variations
Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes
Bake in a muffin tin for 18–20 minutes and top each mini cheesecake with cherries.
White Chocolate Version
Replace the dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
Cherry Compote Topping
Use homemade cherry compote instead of canned pie filling for a fresh flavor.
Gluten-Free Crust
Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for an easy substitution.
Storage Instructions
Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
To freeze, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the cherry topping after thawing for best results.
Black Forest Cheesecake: A Rich, Decadent Classic
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Black Forest Cheesecake combines a rich chocolate crust, creamy chocolate-infused cheesecake, and a sweet cherry topping for the ultimate dessert inspired by the classic Black Forest cake.
Ingredients
-
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 4 tbsp melted butter
-
- For the Cheesecake:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate
- For the Topping:
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and melted dark chocolate until fully incorporated.
- Pour cheesecake batter over the crust.
- Bake 45–55 minutes, or until the center is mostly set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with cherry pie filling and sprinkle with chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- Cheesecake slices cleaner when fully chilled.
- Homemade cherry topping can be used instead of canned.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: German-American
Conclusion
Black Forest Cheesecake is the ultimate combination of rich chocolate flavor, creamy cheesecake texture, and the bright sweetness of cherries. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration, this showstopping dessert is both indulgent and surprisingly simple to make. If you’d like a short printable recipe, a step-by-step infographic, or a social media–ready version, just let me know!
