Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (about 20 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For the Cherry Topping:
1 ½ cups cherry pie filling or fresh cherries, pitted and halved
2 tbsp sugar (if using fresh cherries)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening, if needed)
For Garnish:
1 cup whipped cream
Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
Fresh cherries (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a medium bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until evenly coated.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate, and mix until well combined.
Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined (avoid overmixing to prevent cracks).
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Place the cheesecake pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and crack the door, allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Cherry Topping:
If using fresh cherries, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Cook until cherries soften and release their juices. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the mixture thickens.
Let the topping cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Once the cheesecake has chilled, spread the cherry topping over the top.
Pipe or dollop whipped cream around the edges, then garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries if desired.
Enjoy this rich, decadent Black Forest Cheesecake with layers of chocolate, cherries, and cream!